Introduction
BCCNM has revised the
scope of practice limits and conditions to authorize nurse practitioners (NPs) to order or provide medical aesthetics services. NPs are expected to meet the BCCNM standards of practice and require
additional education prior to ordering or providing medical aesthetic services to ensure individual competence.
BCCNM defines “medical aesthetics" as elective non-surgical clinical procedures that include the performance of a
restricted activity (listed in sections 6 , 7, and 9 of the
Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation) primarily intended to alter or restore a person's appearance.
Key regulatory terms and concepts
Key regulatory terms and concepts relevant to medical aesthetics:
FAQs
- I am interested in practicing nursing in the field of medical aesthetic services. What do I need to consider?
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NPs ordering or providing medical aesthetic procedures are required to work within their
scope of practice and have the
additional education and knowledge to order and/or provide medical aesthetic procedures safely, competently, and ethically to their clients.
NPs wishing to order or provide medical aesthetic services:
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Are required to complete additional education.
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Only order or provide care in appropriate clinical settings that are suitable to safely perform the procedure and include the equipment and supplies necessary to manage emergency situations.
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Use only products approved by Health Canada.
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Only provide or order medical aesthetic procedures for clients under the age of 19 for the treatment of acne or scarring .
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As the ordering (or responsible) health professional, must be present within the facility when the procedure is being performed and immediately available for consultation.
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Do not order or provide any medical aesthetic procedures that require conscious/procedural sedation or general anesthesia.
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Are authorized to compound, administer, and dispense all drugs that they have the authority to prescribe. For drugs that NPs do not have the authority to prescribe, they are authorized to compound, dispense, or administer them with a client-specific order from a listed health professional who is authorized to prescribe the drug in British Columbia.
Note: BCCNM does not endorse or approve additional education for medical aesthetics. It is the responsibility of the nurse practitioner to ensure that any education and training they take provides them with the competencies required to perform medical aesthetic procedures safely. Nurse practitioners work within their scope of practice.
- Is there a minimum client age limit for NPs ordering and providing medical aesthetic procedures?
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Yes. For clients under the age of 19, nurse practitioners only order or provide medical procedures for the treatment of acne and scarring.
- What is meant by an NP being immediately available for consultation?
- The ordering NP or another NP or a medical practitioner qualified to assume the responsibility of care is onsite and immediately available for consultation to the nurse performing the medical aesthetics procedure.
Resources
BCCNM resources
External resources
Related BCCNM public notices
Review the following consent agreements to see how not meeting BCCNM Standards of Practice can impact your nursing practice.