If you’re a nurse or midwife prescriber working in the aesthetics space, a significant update is coming your way from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). As of 1 June 2025, the NMC will no longer allow remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines. This includes popular treatments such as certain anti-wrinkle injections as well as items from aesthetic emergency kits.
What does this mean in practice? From June, nurse and midwife prescribers will be required to carry out face-to-face consultations with clients before issuing prescriptions for these types of procedures. Remote methods such as video calls, phone calls, and messaging apps will no longer be accepted as valid consultation methods for prescribing these medicines.
The reason for this change is rooted in patient safety. While the NMC has always expected its registrants to uphold safe and effective prescribing practices, the growing and often inconsistently regulated field of non-surgical aesthetics poses unique risks. In-person consultations are seen as a key step in mitigating those risks, allowing prescribers to make more thorough assessments and align their practice with standards upheld by other health and care regulators.
For professionals affected by this, it’s essential to stay informed and aligned with the NMC’s professional standards. You can review the full Code of Practice here: NMC Code of Practice.
As a Non-Prescriber, How Do I Get a Prescription?
If you are not a qualified prescriber but still offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments which require a prescription, you (as always) need to work in partnership with a registered Prescriber to remain compliant with the new regulations.
This involves finding a Prescriber who is willing to cover your area and attend your clinic for face-to-face prescribing sessions. During these sessions, your clients must be seen in person by the Prescriber, who will assess their suitability for treatment. If appropriate, the Prescriber will then issue a prescription.
Here are some important things to know:
- Average cost:
Prescribers typically charge around £30 per prescription in the UK.
- Travel fees:
Some may also charge a travel fee, depending on your location.
- Minimums:
- Many Prescribers have a minimum number of prescriptions or a minimum total fee in order to justify a visit to your clinic.
Once the Prescriber has assessed the client and approved the treatment, you will need to order the prescription product, and your client will return at a later date for administration.
Proper planning and clear communication with your chosen Prescriber are essential to ensure smooth and compliant treatment workflows under the new rules.
This change marks a significant shift in aesthetic practice for nurses, midwives, and non-prescribing practitioners alike. If you haven’t already, now is the time to review your current procedures and build partnerships that will support compliant and ethical care moving forward.
