Who can perform Botox and dermal filler procedures?
March 08, 2017Can I perform Botox and dermal filler procedures?
The number one question we are asked is “Can I perform Botox and dermal filler injections?”. With the popularity of injectables on the rise, many medical professionals are looking to either supplement their current position or move into the world of aesthetics. If you are an MD or DO, you will be able to practice these procedures and order the product from the pharmaceutical companies. You will need to check with your mal-practice insurance to make sure they can add aesthetic procedures to your coverage. If you have any other medical designation, it may take a little more research to figure out all the ins and outs.
Understanding your state’s rules and regulations
The first step is to understand what the rules and regulations are in your state. You would start by checking with your state licensing board, who may direct you to your state medical board. Each state’s regulations may change, so we always will refer individuals to their state licensing board to make sure you receive the most up-to-date information.
Nurse Practitioner
If you are a Nurse Practitioner, read this blog post as a starting point to understand what your state requires.
Dentist
If you are a dentist, performing injectable procedures varies greatly from state to state. You will need to check with your state licensing board to understand the type of procedures you may be able to perform. Some of the differences from state to state include:
- Ability to perform Botulinum Toxin, but not dermal fillers
- Ability to perform medical Botulinum Toxin (TMJ), but not cosmetic Botulinum Toxin
- Ability to perform injectables if it is part of a dental treatment plan
- Ability to perform injectables, no problem!
- And, in some cases having a hard time to decifier exactly what your state’s regulations are! In this case, you can check with your malpractice insurance to see if they can offer any additional information.
Once you have a good understanding of which procedures you can perform, it is always a good idea to contact the pharmaceutical companies to ensure you can order the product. We have had dentists attend our courses who take the training solely for personal reasons. We also have dentists who plan on incorporating injectable procedures into their practice.
Physician Assistant
If you are a Physician Assistant you will work under a medical director performing injectables, but may be able to practice independently without a physician being located on-site. The supervising medical director may not be required to provide direct supervision or to be located on-site which can increase the opportunity to practice injectables in a location of your choosing.
Registered Nurses
If you are a registered nurse you will need to work with a physician in order to practice injectable procedures. The physician is responsible to provide supervision to comply with state laws of medical and nursing practices. These regulations vary from state to state, and where in one state the physician may have to be on-site – another state may require the physician be located within a certain mile radius. In addition, the physician will need to have the account with the pharmaceutical companies in order to get the product.