How to Vet Aesthetic Prescribers: A Guide for Aesthetics Practitioners

The right prescriber is all about ensuring patient safety, legal compliance, and professional integrity. Whether you’re brand-new or a veteran, here’s how to properly vet a prescriber before working with them.

1. Check Professional Registration

• GMC, NMC, GPhC or GDC: A prescriber must be registered with one of the UK’s professional regulatory bodies:
  • Doctors – General Medical Council (GMC)
  • Nurses and Midwives – Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
  • Pharmacists – General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

You can verify their registration and status online through each regulator’s website.

2. Confirm Independent Prescriber Status

Not all registered professionals are qualified prescribers. Ask for proof that they hold an Independent Prescriber qualification (or Supplementary Prescriber where applicable). This is especially relevant for nurses, pharmacists, and some paramedics.

3. Look for Aesthetic-Specific Experience

Ask about their background in aesthetic medicine—how long they’ve been practising, what treatments they regularly prescribe for, and whether they attend CPD or training specific to aesthetics.

4. Ask about Face-toFace Consultations

Under UK law, a prescriber must consult with the patient in person before prescribing POMs like Botox. Remote prescribing (via video call or questionnaire) is not considered safe or ethical in most cases—especially by professional regulators and insurers.

Ensure your prescriber is willing to meet this standard, both for legal compliance and patient safety.

5. Understand Their Role in Managing Complications

Prescribers must be more than just a signature for prescriptions. They should:

• Be available in the event of an adverse reaction.
• Have a clear protocol for dealing with complications.
• Provide access to emergency drugs if needed (such as hyaluronidase).

Choose someone who takes hands-on, responsible approach to patient safety.

6. Evaluate Their Professionalism and Ethics

• Speak to other practitioners who work with them.
• Look at reviews (where available) or ask for testimonials.
• During an initial meeting, assess whether their approach aligns with your values—do they prioritise ethical, patient-centred care, or are they driven by sales and volume?

A good prescriber will take time to understand your practice, educate your patients during consultations, and work collaboratively—not just sign off on products.

8. Ensure a Written Agreement is in Place

To protect both parties, it’s advisable to have a clear written agreement that outlines:

• The scope of the working relationship
• Responsibilities regarding patient consultations, consent, and follow-up
• Arrangements for dealing with emergencies and complications

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving aesthetics industry, choosing a prescriber is not a decision to take lightly. Your prescriber should not only be legally qualified but also clinically competent, approachable, and committed to ethical, patient-centred care. The right partnership can elevate your practice, ensure compliance, and most importantly—deliver safe and effective outcomes for your clients.