Injecting Botox & Fillers: How to Maintain Compliance as an RN Injector

Injections have always been an easy way for nurses to switch to a career in aesthetic medicine. Many RN injectors enjoy the simplicity of setting up a treatment room, prepping the necessary equipment, and having a day of appointments go by rather quickly.

In the United States, nurses can only practice medicine in compliance with the rules set forth by governing health agencies. When you work in the aesthetics industry, things are no different. Therefore, understanding your State’s DPH guidelines is crucial for a viable career. Otherwise, you could put your license at risk.

Many aspiring RN injectors have questions about how to practice in accordance with state rules. Regulations vary widely, so, unfortunately, there are no broad answers. It depends where you live and how you choose to practice.

This article will cover some of the professional and legal factors that can impact you as an RN injector and how regulations may differ depending on where and how you practice.

Questions to consider before getting started

First and foremost, how you envision your career as a nurse injector will play into how the rules affect you. Here are some factors to think about as you get acquainted with your state’s regulations and requirements:

Where do I want to work?

Do you want to travel to your patients’ homes, rent a room in a Med Spa, or work as a Med Spa employee? DPH rules can vary depending on your place of employment. Private practice, medical spa, room or chair rentals, and home concierge services may all have different criteria.

Is performing the injections myself important to me?

Some, but not all, states allow RNs to administer cosmetic injections. Nurses who want to inject products such as Botox and fillers may elect to get licensed in a state that allows a broad scope of practice.

What are my employment options?

Your type of employment affects the compliance rules that govern you. RN injectors have four choices as they embark on their career, each with its own set of rules. Here are the main ones to know:

1. Concierge service

While not all states allow concierge practice, those that do allow traveling to your patients to treat them in their homes, offices, or an established business, affords the nurse a mix of flexibility and independence. Check if your state allows virtual sign-off of injection scripts.

2. Room or chair rental

Injectors who want a balance of independence and support may opt to rent a room or chair in a salon or Med Spa. Check with your state’s board of cosmetology if you’re renting within a salon.

3. Med Spa employment

Many RN injectors find work at a Med Spa or physician’s office. Note that, depending on the services offered, not all Med Spas have a supervising physician on staff. Asking about this is important when considering employment as an RN.

4. Med Spa ownership

Opening a private practice is an exciting prospect for established RN injectors who feel ready to level up their career. Having your own branded commercial space is challenging but rewarding.

Check your Department of State (DOS) website to learn what types of state and city licensing are required to start a business in your area. Some states also require medical zoning to open a practice. Hiring a supervising physician is a likely necessity to remain compliant.

RN Injector Compliance Checklist

Under the current regulatory environment, it’s necessary to maintain compliance as an RN injector. Here is a summary of what you need to know:

Decide where you want to work: Is being an independent nurse injector in your state even possible, or will you require NP or MD supervision?

Find out what licensing your state requires: Each region has location-specific RN licensing requirements. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to you in the state where you hold a license. Your State’s official DPH website is the best place for up-to-date information as the regulations may change over time.

Determine if you are allowed to perform injections given your licensure: Some states require an NP license to administer cosmetic injections. Other states allow RNs to perform the injections on their patients.

Check if you need a supervising physician for script sign-off and product purchases: Most states require a physician to sign off for RNs. Other states allow NPs full scope of practice for injectables, meaning a qualifying NP can sign off for the RN and purchase products. Tip: In Massachusetts, Joseph A. Russo’s nurse network, Medical Aesthetics Associates, offers clinical supervision and live order support to midlevel providers.

Check if your state allows virtual sign-off of injection scripts: If your state allows this, you may be able to work without an on-site supervising physician.

Check with your state’s board of cosmetology if renting within a salon: For RN injectors renting a chair or room, there can be a whole new set of rules. Again, refer to the official government sites in your state for the most updated information.

Summary

There are countless opportunities for nurses in the booming aesthetics industry. It is critical to remain compliant as a nurse injector to work in the field. The bottom line? At a minimum, always check with your State DPH to stay abreast of the current rules as they define how and where you can practice. Of course, there is plenty to learn before diving into a career as a nurse injector. Compliance is just the starting point.

Aesthetic Mentor puts you on the fast track to becoming a compliant RN injector

Learn how to practice safely and legally as a nurse injector with Aesthetic Mentor’s robust hybrid learning courses. Aesthetic Mentor is an industry-leading training program that delves into compliance factors that may affect your employment. In these interactive courses, you will also learn injector-specific techniques to deliver world-class patient outcomes, which can set you on the path to a rewarding and lucrative career.

learn injector-specific techniques to deliver world-class patient outcomes, which can set you on the path to a rewarding and lucrative career.

Founded in 2011 by Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph A. Russo, Aesthetic Mentor has trained more than 3,000 healthcare professionals who want to switch to aesthetics. Upon completing the courses, you will receive a certificate of completion recognized in all states.To learn more, download the 4 Major Pathways to Aesthetic Nursing e-book or set up a free career consultation with one of our Student Advisors.