Medical Council issues guidance on the prescription and administration of Botox

The Medical Council has recently published a Statement on the prescribing and administration of Botulinum Toxin (Botox).

The statement highlights the professional and legal responsibilities which doctor’s face when administering Botox. Botox is considered a prescription only medicine meaning that under Irish Law, it may only be administered by the following:

• A registered doctor;
• A registered dentist; or
• Others, such as registered nurses, acting “in accordance with the directions” of a doctor or dentist.

In relation to the phrase “in accordance with the directions” of a doctor, the Medical Council advises that doctors should only assign the administration of Botox to nurses where they are of the view that the nurse in question possesses the “necessary skills, knowledge and competence”. This is of particular importance as the prescribing doctor retains the professional responsibility and accountability for the outcome of the treatment.

The Statement also points to relevant sections of the Medical Council Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (“the Guide”), described as not exhaustive, when reminding doctors that they have a responsibility to ensure that the provision of Botox is in accordance with accepted standards of best practice.

In addition, doctors are directed to, and must be familiar with, the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to 2021 (S.I. No. 540 of 2003, as amended), as this is the framework that governs the administration and prescribing of prescription only medicines in Ireland.

The statement should be read in conjunction with the Guide and can be accessed here Medical Council - Statement from the Medical Council on the Prescribing and Administration of Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

If you would like any further information or advice on the information mentioned within this article, please contact Ciara Hanratty or Ciara Cornyn from our Healthcare team.

*This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute, nor should be regarded as, a substitute for taking legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.