The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has introduced strict new guidelines for nurses and dentists administering cosmetic injectables to strengthen patient safety.
The rules mandate formal education and training in anatomy, physiology, and cosmetic procedures such as botox and dermal fillers, which were previously not required.
From September, nurses must complete at least 12 months of full-time clinical experience before being allowed to perform cosmetic injectables.
Practitioners must now disclose the name of the health professional performing the procedure in advertisements and are barred from using influencer testimonials or targeting minors.
AHPRA CEO Justin Untersteiner acknowledged the changes may push some practitioners out of the industry and require others to adjust their business models.
The new guidelines follow a rise in safety concerns, including cases of botulism and facial nerve damage linked to unregulated cosmetic clinics.
Telehealth consultations that result in rapid prescriptions—sometimes in under a minute—have also come under scrutiny, with regulators warning practitioners of their ongoing responsibility for patient care.
Cosmetic clinics must now provide written documentation to patients detailing the practitioner, product used, aftercare, and oversight responsibilities.
Advertising rules have been tightened, banning music, dancing, and comedic elements that trivialize cosmetic procedures, especially on social media.
The guidelines also require practitioners to disclose any financial interests that could influence clinical decisions, including commission-based payment models.
