Aesthetic NP Practice Authority
What an NP, PA, or RN entering aesthetic medicine in Washington needs to know — sourced from the AANP State Practice Environment + the Washington Board of Nursing.
Yes. Washington ARNPs hold full practice authority as licensed independent practitioners. Washington recognizes a corporate practice of medicine doctrine, but because ARNPs are licensed healthcare professionals, an ARNP-owned PLLC or PC may own and operate an aesthetic practice within ARNP scope — no physician co-owner is required.
None required. Full practice authority from initial licensure, with no transition period and no collaborative agreement.
A good-faith exam by a licensed prescriber (NP/MD/DO) is required before initial aesthetic medication administration. Telehealth GFE is permitted in most states subject to state-specific rules.
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. In Washington, when an RN performs the injection, the prescriber who issued the order must be reachable by phone within about 30 minutes; on-site presence is not required. This does not limit independent ARNP practice authority.
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