Yes. CNO says a Nurse Practitioner can assess a client virtually before issuing a client-specific order for aesthetic services, where that is appropriate. The NP is accountable for deciding whether virtual assessment and remote prescribing suit the procedure and the client, using their clinical judgment.
Source: the College of Nurses of Ontario, Aesthetic Services: practice standards changes coming into effect on March 1, 2027. CNO Council approved the changes on September 24, 2026. The updated standards are not published yet, and CNO says it will update its Aesthetic Services guideline to match. This is general information, not legal or regulatory advice: confirm your own obligations with CNO.
What CNO says
In its FAQs on the changes taking effect March 1, 2027, CNO answers this question directly: the assessment may be completed in person or virtually, as appropriate, and the NP decides based on their clinical judgment, the risks of the procedure and the client's condition. CNO points NPs to its Virtual Care practice guideline for more.
When virtual is appropriate, and when it is not
That is your judgment, and CNO expects you to make it per procedure and per client. Its Aesthetic Services guideline also expects you to decide when your direct involvement is needed based on the risk of the procedure, and to be available when a comprehensive health assessment is required, virtually or in person. Plan for the clients you will want to see in person.
What it means in practice
- An NP in one Ontario city can provide genuine direction for a practice in another, with a real assessment of each client.
- The nurse injector still assesses the client at every visit and consults you when anything changes.
- Your orders cover a defined plan for a set period; you reassess when it ends.
- You stay reachable: the guideline expects prompt consultation when needed.
This applies in Ontario. We do not offer remote arrangements in British Columbia or Quebec, where the prescriber must be onsite.
Direct Ontario practices, with a real assessment of every client.
Tell us your registration, the treatments you are competent to oversee and whether you assess virtually. You choose every practice.
Join the network The March 2027 changes for NPsQuestions about virtual assessment
Can a Nurse Practitioner assess a Botox client virtually in Ontario?
Yes, where appropriate. CNO says the assessment before a client-specific order may be in person or virtual, and the NP decides based on clinical judgment, the risks of the procedure and the client's condition.
Can an NP direct a practice in another Ontario city?
Yes, if each client is genuinely assessed, in person or virtually as appropriate, and the NP stays available for prompt consultation.
Does this apply outside Ontario?
These pages cover Ontario only. In British Columbia and Quebec the prescriber must be onsite.
General information about the College of Nurses of Ontario changes to the Scope of Practice and Medication standards that take effect on March 1, 2027, based on CNO's published summary and FAQs as read in October 2026. The updated standards had not been published when this was written. Not legal, regulatory or compliance advice. Plus One MD is not affiliated with or endorsed by CNO. Confirm your own obligations with CNO and your liability protection provider.