If you’re a medically trained practitioner without a prescribing qualification, you will need to find a prescriber in order to purchase and perform treatments using prescription-only medicines (POMs), such as toxins, weight loss treatments, emergency kits, and more.
As of 1st June 2025, the NMC has prohibited remote prescribing, a stance already upheld by the GMC, GDC, and GPhC. Compliance is now more important than ever to ensure patient safety, protect your professional registration, and safeguard your financial security. This is why choosing the right prescriber is crucial to the success of your aesthetic practice.
When Choosing a Prescriber, They Must Meet All of the Following Criteria:
1. Registered Prescriber
Your prescriber must be currently registered with the relevant professional body, such as the NMC, GMC, or GDC. Even if someone holds a prescribing qualification, they must be live on the register, otherwise, their authority to prescribe is invalid.
2. Trained in Aesthetic Medicine
Prescribing qualifications alone are not enough. Your prescriber must be aesthetically trained to ensure they can safely assess and prescribe for cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectables. Without aesthetic-specific training, how can competency be demonstrated?
3. Insured to Prescribe Aesthetic Treatments
Your prescriber should hold independent professional indemnity insurance that covers:
- Aesthetic prescribing
- Delegated administration of treatments
- On-site, face-to-face consultations
4. In-Person Patient Consultations
Your prescriber must conduct patient consultations in person. Remote prescribing via phone or video consultation is now banned in the UK. Those found to be engaging in remote prescribing risk suspension or even being struck off the professional register by their governing body’s Fitness to Practise Committee.
To learn more about the NMC’s recent update on remote prescribing, please read Understanding Prescribing in Aesthetics: 2025 Update on Remote Prescribing.
Need a Prescriber?
At Aesthetics Associates, we’ve been helping medically trained aesthetic practitioners connect with fully vetted prescribers for over 15 years.
With our free Prescriber Search Tool, you can:
- Instantly search for registered, aesthetically trained, and insured prescribers
- Filter by location
- Find a prescriber who can travel to your clinic for in-person consultations
- Ensure full compliance with the 2025 NMC guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Prescriber to Perform Botox Treatments?
Yes. Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine (POM). By law, a face-to-face consultation must take place between the patient and a qualified prescriber before a prescription can be issued. The prescriber does not need to be present when the treatment is administered; however, they are fully responsible for assessing medical suitability, managing complications, and verifying the competence of the practitioner.
How Much Will It Cost for My Patient Consultations?
Prescriber fees vary depending on location and the services offered, but most charge between £20 – £45 per consultation.
Will They Travel to Me?
Yes. Many prescribers are happy to travel to your location; however, some may require a minimum number of patients per visit. If you would prefer patients to travel to your prescriber’s location, this can also be arranged.
What Medical Qualifications Will My Prescriber Need?
Your prescriber must be a registered medical professional (doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber or prescribing pharmacist) with:
- A valid prescribing qualification
- Aesthetic-specific training
- Independent insurance covering aesthetic prescribing and supervision
With increasing regulation in the aesthetics industry, working with the right prescriber is essential for protecting your patients, your registration, and your business.
Use our free search tool to find a compliant, experienced, and insured aesthetic prescriber near you.