Aesthetic NP Practice Authority

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice in California

What an NP, PA, or RN entering aesthetic medicine in California needs to know — sourced from the AANP State Practice Environment + the California Board of Nursing.

CaliforniaRestricted Practice

Can an NP own an aesthetic practice solo in California?

No (with AB890 transition exception). NP-owned aesthetic practices in CA must operate as a Medical Corporation (PC) with majority physician ownership unless the NP qualifies for AB890 Category 103 (independent practice after 3 years + mentorship).

Collaborative agreement / physician relationship

Standardized procedures + physician collaboration required. AB890 (2020) creates a pathway to independent practice after meeting Category 103 criteria.

Good-faith exam (GFE) rules — aesthetic context

GFE required before any aesthetic medication administration. Telehealth GFE is permitted but Initial Treating Provider must be a CA-licensed prescriber. Cosmetic Medical Board guidance applies.

RN injection scope in California

RNs may inject aesthetic medications (botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, fat-dissolving) under a valid prescriber order and approved protocol. Only PRESCRIBING requires a licensed NP/MD/DO. Verify with your board.

Sources

After you've read your state — take the 17-question assessment.

Free. 7 minutes. Returns a state-specific 90-day roadmap to opening your own aesthetic practice. Built by Faisal Darwiche, NP — 27 years, three practices, the Aesthetic Show faculty. The plan I'd hand my younger self.

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Educational Use Only. This page is general guidance and is not legal, financial, tax, or medical advice. Verify scope of practice with the California Board of Nursing and your own licensed counsel before opening or operating a practice. Online training is not a substitute for hands-on clinical certification.

Verified: AANP State Practice Environment (Updated: 05/2026) + California Board of Nursing public guidance, as of 2026-05-12. State statuses change; reconfirm at AANP before relying on this content.

Read the full 50-state matrix at /scope-of-practice.