Cosmetic Procedures in the Medical Practice
 
With the wave of interest in cosmetic procedures, many practices believe adding an esthetician or cosmetologist will be a way to add revenue.  Before hiring these individuals, however, CAP recommends physicians review the following:

• The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licenses all cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and electrologists in the state. The employer of any of these licensees must possess an establishment license. The requirements for the establishment/practice and the application for the establishment license are available here.   

The above licensees may only perform services within their scope of practice. The Board notes, "They may not penetrate the skin or perform any services that would affect living tissue."  For the most frequently asked questions about permitted services, see the "Cosmetic Services"section of the Board's website. 

• Other than physicians, only registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants may perform medical cosmetic procedures such as injections of Botox or cosmetic fillers. Written Standardized Procedures or Delegation of Services documents, specific to the practice, must be in place to define the scope of practice for those individuals. 

Information regarding Standardized Procedures for nurses or nurse practitioners can be found here.    

 

Delegation of Services information for physician assistants can be found here.  

• When hiring, make sure to validate that an applicant possesses a current license. CAP recommends monitoring current employee licenses no less than annually. 

Authored by
Waldene K. Drake, RN, MBA
Vice President, Risk Management & Patient Safety 

 

Published comments of this information should not be considered legal advice applicable to a specific situation. Legal guidance for individual matters should be obtained from a retained attorney.