​Key ​​standard​​s for medical aesthetics 

• Acting with Client-specific Orders practice standard
• Acting Within Autonomous Scope of Practice standard
• Consent practice standard
• Documentation practice standard
• Medication practice standard

​​​Introduction 

When nurses perform medical aesthetics, they are responsible and accountable to the same legislation, standards, employer policies, and professional obligations that guide all aspects of nursing practice.

​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, nurses must ensure they meet all regulatory requirements before providing these services. 

Key regulatory expec​​tations 

Scope of practice

Nurses may only perform aesthetic procedures that are within their professional nursing scope as set out in regulation and consistent with BCCNM standards, limits, and conditions.

Competence and training

Nurses are responsible for obtaining the necessary knowledge, skill, attitudes, and judgment (competence) before performing any procedure. This includes additional education and clinical training specific to medical aesthetics.

Client-specific orders

Many aesthetic procedures involve restricted activities that require an order from an authorized health professional. Nurses must confirm a valid client-specific order is in place when required.

Consent and cultural safety

Nurses must obtain informed client consent, use culturally safe and respectful communication, and support client-centred decision-making.

Documentation and accountability

Nurses must document all assessments, decisions, and procedures in accordance with BCCNM's Documentation practice standard. They remain accountable for the care they provide, whether working autonomously or under a client-specific order. 

Ethical and professional practice

Nurses must align their practice with BCCNM's Professional Standards, ensuring client safety, dignity, and public trust remain at the centre of care. 

Key points for practising in medical aesthetics​​

• You must complete additional education to gain the competencies required.

• A client-specific order is required for procedures involving injectables drugs/substances or implantable devices (including sutures used in procedures like thread lifts). 

• The ordering health professional is or will be present at the facility during the procedure and immediately available for consultation when nurses administer injectable drugs/substances or implantable devices.

• Follow employer's policies or ensure you  have appropriate policies if you are self-employed.

• LPNs, RNs, RPNs, or certified practice nurses cannot give orders for medical aesthetic procedures.

• BCCNM does not approve courses; you are responsible for choosing education that ensures you are competent and safe.

​​​FAQs

Can nurses administer Botox® and dermal fillers?

Yes. Administering Botulinum Toxin Type A and Type B (e.g., Botox®) and dermal fillers is within the nursing scope of practice under the Regulation. Botox® is a Schedule I medication, while most dermal fillers are classified as Schedule II medications or substances.

Before administering Botox® and dermal fillers, nurses must: 

• Complete additional education to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment (competence) required for safe medical aesthetic practice.
• Obtain a valid client-specific order for any injectable drug, substance, or implantable device.
• Confirm the ordering (or responsible) health professional is present in the facility during the procedure and immediately available for consultation.
• Meet all BCCNM standards of practice, including Acting with Client-specific Orders, Consent, Documentation, and Medication practice standards.
• Understand any limits or conditions placed by the regulatory college of the ordering health professional related to the procedure.
• Ensure resources are in place to safely manage complications or unintended outcomes.
• Follow organizational policies and procedures.

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.

• ​Learn m​ore about professional liability protection
  

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​​

• Acting with client-specific orders thinking tool
• Nursing scope of practice infographic
• Professional Standards

• Self-emp​loyment

External resources ​

• BC College of Oral Health Professionals
• Canadian Society of Aesthetic Speciality Nurses 
• College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC  
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of B C –  Practice Standard: Injection of Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers and Venous Sclerotherapy

• Nurses and Nurse Practitione​​rs of BC 

Re​​lated BCCNM public notices

Learn from real consent agreements about the consequences of not meeting BCCNM Standards of Practice.

• Acting without physician supervision or a client-specific order
• Breaching privacy and confidentiality
• Practising outside of scope​
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