31/01/2026
EDUCATIONAL POST:
Are you aware that the responsibility of a prescription written by a prescribing healthcare professional within aesthetic medicine or anywhere in a healthcare establishment in the UK, typically lasts for the duration of the patient's treatment or until the prescription is reviewed or cancelled, or if the patient is referred for further medical care.
In the UK, prescribers are legally expected to keep records of prescriptions for insurance purposes and to ensure patients are monitored and reviewed as needed for at least 10 years after treatment completion, and the professional responsibility for the prescription remains with the prescriber at all times.
In the UK, medicines prescribed within the medical aesthetic sector require a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber (doctor, dentist, or prescribing nurse/pharmacist) before administration.
Remote prescribing was banned as of June 1, 2025.
Only registered healthcare professionals with proper training can prescribe and administer medicine within the medical aesthetics sector, and all non-prescribing practitioners must work with a prescriber.
The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) plays a key role in regulating medicines, including prescription medicine prescribed in the medical aesthetics sector in the UK. They ensure safety, quality, and efficacy.
Prescribing guidelines are typically set by professional bodies like:
- GMC (General Medical Council)
- NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
- BMA (British Medical Association)
- Royal Colleges
The MHRA focuses on licensing and safety, while professional bodies provide guidance on best practices.
Prescribing prescription only medicines in the UK is strictly regulated by law, to protect patient safety, all prescribing must follow national and legal and professional frameworks.
Scottish Medical Aesthetics Safety Group - SMASG Healthcare Improvement Scotland The Scottish Government Stuart McMillan MSP
