🚫Uk-Wide ban on remote prescribing for aesthetics: What is means for medically-trained aestheticians and beauticians in the isle of Man

Catherine Greenhalgh
5 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 7 hours ago

By: Dr Catherine Greenhalgh, Doctor of Dental Medicine (CEU), PgDip Orthodontics (COTS), Msc Aesthetic Medicine (QMUL) – May 2025

In a significant move to improve patient safety and accountability, the UK has officially banned remote prescribing for aesthetic procedures, effective immediately. This regulation has now been extended to cover the entirety of the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and while the Isle of Man has its healthcare regulations, the ripple effect is already being felt here too.

This blog addresses the most pressing questions surrounding this change, especially for medically-trained aestheticians who are not prescribers and beauticians performing injectable treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers.

❓ What Is Remote Prescribing in Aesthetics?

Remote prescribing refers to the act of a licensed prescriber (like a doctor, dentist, or independent nurse prescriber) prescribing a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM)—such as botulinum toxin or GLP-1 agonists for weight loss (skinny pens) —without first having an in-person consultation with the patient.

Previously, it was common practice for some aesthetic practitioners to arrange prescriptions via phone, video calls, or even messages through intermediary prescribers without physically seeing the patient. This approach has now been deemed unsafe and is no longer legally acceptable.

⚖️ What Has Changed in the Law?

As of 2025, the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) now collectively enforce the following:

No prescriptions for aesthetic injectables can be issued without a face-to-face consultation.
The prescriber must conduct an in-person physical examination of the patient before issuing the prescription.
This regulation applies even if the prescriber has seen the patient remotely in the past.

This means no more remote prescribing under any circumstances for cosmetic purposes.

📍 Does This Affect the Isle of Man?

Yes and no. The Isle of Man has its healthcare regulation system separate from the UK, but in practice:

Medicines and prescribers in the Isle of Man often follow UK-based guidance, especially for professional standards.
Many practitioners in aesthetics order POMs through UK pharmacies or rely on UK prescribers, who now cannot legally issue prescriptions remotely, even if the treatment occurs on the Isle of Man.
Professional indemnity providers may withdraw cover if practitioners do not follow UK best practice standards, even on the Island.

In short, if you’re sourcing POMs via UK prescribers or pharmacies, this affects you. This also means the same thing for weight loss skinny pen injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy. (GLP-1 Agonist medications)

👩‍⚕️ FAQS: What This Means for Medically-Trained Aestheticians (Non-Prescribers)

Q: I’m a registered nurse or dental hygienist who performs Botox. What do I do now if I can’t get a prescription remotely? A: You now need to work directly with a prescriber who will see the patient in person before each treatment. You can no longer rely on video or written consultations for prescriptions.

Q: Can a prescriber see the patient in person once, and then allow me to treat them regularly without follow-up? A: No. The prescriber must see the patient face-to-face for each new course of treatment and ensure the prescription remains appropriate. This significantly limits ongoing delegation.

Q: Can I become a prescriber myself? A: Yes. Becoming an independent prescriber (typically via a postgraduate qualification) is the most secure path forward if you wish to continue practising independently in aesthetic medicine.

💄 FAQS: What This Means for Beauticians (Non-Medical Practitioners)

Q: I’m not a nurse, doctor, or dentist, but I’ve been trained in injectables. Can I still practice? A: You cannot legally administer POMs like Botox. You must work under the direct supervision of a prescriber who conducts an in-person consultation. Practising without this is unlawful and may be prosecuted.

Q: What about dermal fillers? They aren’t POMs. A: True—dermal fillers are not classified as prescription-only, but the industry is under intense scrutiny, and further regulation may soon bring fillers under similar control. Proceed with caution.

Q: What if I use a “remote prescriber” service online? A: That is now illegal. If you're caught sourcing prescriptions from someone who hasn’t seen the patient face-to-face, you and the prescriber could face legal consequences, including being struck off or prosecuted.

💼 Legal and Business Implications

Clinic Restructuring – Clinics may need to employ or partner with in-house prescribers to ensure seamless, compliant patient care.
Increased Operational Costs – More face-to-face consultations mean higher staffing and logistical expenses.
Patient Access Delays – Expect longer lead times as consultations need to be scheduled ahead of every treatment.
Insurance Risk – If you fail to comply, insurers may void your cover, leaving you vulnerable to legal action.
Professional Accountability – Any deviation from this regulation could lead to investigation by your regulator (GMC, NMC, GDC) or a criminal complaint.

✅ Recommendations for Practitioners in the Isle of Man

Ensure your prescriber is seeing the patient in person. If not, do not proceed.
Consider enrolling in an Independent Prescribing course if eligible.
Audit your practice model now to ensure compliance with current legal and ethical standards.
Consult with a local solicitor or regulator if unsure of your obligations.
Be transparent with patients—they deserve to know the standard of care they’re receiving.

⚠️ Final Word: Patient Safety Comes First

This law is not about bureaucracy—it’s about protecting patients from complications, counterfeits, and misdiagnosis. For ethical, skilled practitioners, it may be a temporary inconvenience. For others cutting corners, it is an overdue clampdown. The end of remote prescribing is a wake-up call for the UK and the Isle of Man aesthetic industry - but it is also an opportunity. A chance to rebuild trust, raise standards, and refocus on patient-first care.

As always, those who adapt with integrity will thrive.