On 29th April 2025, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) announced a formal update to its position on the remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines, including botulinum toxin. This change affects how non-prescribing nurses and midwives can work within the aesthetics industry.
We’ve summarised the key points of the announcement and provided direct links to the full statements below to help you understand the changes.
What Has Changed?
The NMC has clarified that it no longer considers remote prescribing appropriate for aesthetic procedures involving prescription-only medicines (POMs), such as botulinum toxin.
In the NMC’s own words:
“We do not believe that remote prescribing of botulinum toxin and other prescription-only medicines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures aligns with the standards we expect of prescribers.”
The statement goes on to say:
“Our Code and standards make clear that a prescriber should undertake an appropriate assessment, which includes a face-to-face consultation, before issuing a prescription.”
This marks a significant shift from previous practice, where it was common for a prescriber to consult with the client via video or telephone before issuing a prescription for aesthetic treatments.
Who Does This Affect?
This update is relevant to:
- Non-prescribing nurses and midwives currently working in aesthetics who rely on a prescribing clinician to obtain botulinum toxin or other POMs.
- Medical professionals exploring a future in aesthetics who are not yet qualified as independent prescribers.
The change means that a face-to-face consultation is now required between the client and the prescriber before a prescription can be issued. Remote consultations – via phone or video – will no longer be considered sufficient for cosmetic prescribing.
Why Has the NMC Made This Change?
The NMC’s decision follows a public consultation launched in 2023, which gathered feedback from nurses, midwives, prescribers, educators, and professional bodies. According to the NMC, the revised stance reflects its commitment to public protection and patient safety.
Andrea Sutcliffe, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, stated:
“Everyone using health and care services should be able to expect high-quality care, including when accessing cosmetic procedures. Our new position on remote prescribing helps ensure that the right person is doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, for the benefit of people receiving care.”
Where Can You Read More?
You can read the full NMC announcement and the related Aesthetics Journal article using the links below:
- NMC Statement: nmc.org.uk/news/news-and-updates/nmc-to-update-position-on-remote-prescribing-of-non-surgical-cosmetic-medicines
Summary
- Remote prescribing for non-surgical cosmetic procedures is no longer supported by the NMC.
- A face-to-face consultation is now expected before any prescription for botulinum toxin or other POMs can be issued.
- This change impacts all non-prescribing nurses and midwives working or entering the field of aesthetics.
- The update aims to align prescribing practices in aesthetics with broader expectations of safety and professional standards.
This blog is for information purposes only and is based on publicly available statements as of 1st May 2025. All practitioners are encouraged to read the official NMC statement in full and seek appropriate guidance from their professional body or employer if needed.
Our Advice at SkinViva Training
At SkinViva Training, we’re committed to supporting nurses and midwives throughout their aesthetic careers. Whether you’re brand new or already running your own clinic, this is a pivotal moment to evaluate your clinical setup.
If you’re already trained in injectables but not yet a prescriber, this could be the perfect time to explore your next step. Becoming an independent prescriber gives you greater control over your practice – and peace of mind that you’re working in full alignment with professional guidance.
Stay ahead of the curve. Make informed choices. And remember: your clinical standards – and client experience – should never be compromised.
Want to Talk About Your Options?
Our team is always here to help. If you’re unsure what this means for your aesthetic career, or you’d like guidance on how to move forward, get in touch with us. We’re happy to advise on:
- The benefits of becoming a prescriber
- How to find a face-to-face prescriber partner
- How our training programmes can support your next move
Contact SkinViva Training today to chat with one of our expert advisors.
SkinViva Training Academy Manchester
SkinViva Training Academy offers a comprehensive range of professional training courses for cosmetic and medical skin treatments. Their courses in cosmetic treatments directed at suitably qualified medical professionals* who wish to learn and build on their skills in delivering these procedures (*subject to meeting SkinViva Training’s entry criteria).
See our full list of forthcoming training course dates.
SkinViva Training Academy was established in 2013 by Dr Tim Pearce MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP – learn more about us. The SkinViva Training Academy team upholds high standards of clinical training providing a combination of fully-supervised practical experience together with essential theory.
For further information, to discuss which course is right for you, to enquire about availability or to book a training course please call 0161 850 2491, or email info@skinvivatraining.com.
