Key standards for medical aesthetics
Introduction
Nurse practitioners (NPs) in B.C. may provide or order medical aesthetic procedures if they meet all regulatory and professional requirements. NPs remain fully responsible and accountable to practise safely, competently, and ethically, and must comply with the Regulation, BCCNM standards, and employer policies.
BCCNM describes “medical aesthetics" as elective, non-surgical procedures that involve restricted activities under the Regulation. These procedures are primarily intended to change or restore a person's appearance and must be carried out in line with nursing scope of practice, competence, and regulatory standards. Because restricted activities carry higher risk, NPs must ensure they meet all regulatory requirements before providing these services.
Expectations for NPs in medical aesthetics
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are accountable for practising within their scope and ensuring client safety when providing or ordering medical aesthetic procedures. Key requirements include:
- Scope of practice and competence
- Practise within the NP scope of practice and apply knowledge and clinical judgment to provide care safely, competently, and ethically.
- Complete additional education to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment (competence) required.
- BCCNM does not approve or endorse courses — NPs are responsible for selecting education that ensures competence and safe practice.
- Practice setting and resources
- Provide care only in appropriate clinical settings equipped to perform procedures safely.
- Ensure the setting includes the necessary equipment and supplies to manage emergency situations.
- Orders and client-specific requirements
- For any medical aesthetic procedure, the NP as the ordering (or responsible) health professional must be present in the facility during the procedure and immediately available for consultation.
- Do not order or provide procedures that require conscious/procedural sedation or general anesthesia.
- Only provide or order medical aesthetic procedures for clients under 19 years of age when treating acne or scarring.
- Medications and products
- Use only products approved by Health Canada.
- NPs may compound, administer, and dispense any drug they are authorized to prescribe.
- For drugs outside NP prescribing authority, NPs may compound, dispense, or administer them with a valid client-specific order from an authorized health professional authorized to prescribe the drug in B.C.
FAQs
- What do I need to know about professional liability protection?
Professional liability protection is a mandatory registration requirement for practicing nurses in B.C. Coverage is provided by the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) and is included in your annually registration renewal fees.
In addition to the basic coverage, CNPS also offers a Supplementary Protection Program. This program is optional (not a registration requirement) and provides enhanced protection for nurses who choose to purchase it. To learn more about the Supplementary Protection Program, visit the
CNPS website.
Resources
BCCNM resources
External resources
Related BCCNM public notices
Learn from real consent agreements about the consequences of not meeting BCCNM Standards of Practice.