CNO Clarifies RHP Services in Medical Aesthetics
I want to share with our nursing colleagues in medical aesthetics this important notice from the College of Nurses of Ontario that updates and clarifies the providing of “cosmetic injections during the pandemic.”
Hello Tracey,
Yes, as a regulated health professional, nurses are able to provide services, including cosmetic injections, during the pandemic. The only caveat is that a nurse must consider whether any of the services they provide, or that are provided as part of their practice setting, need to be temporarily restricted in accordance with the provincial direction. If a nurse provides services in a clinic providing personal care services, they must comply with any restrictions set out by the provincial zone designations.
I appreciate your help in sharing this update with your nursing colleagues in the cosmetic injection speciality area. In terms of your question for clarification:
I want to clarify that cosmetic injection performed by a RHP is not considered a personal care service and therefore are permitted as long as the RHP is following the public health regulations according to the classified zone and required PPE.
Catriona Mill RN, BScN, MHSc, CCHN(c)
Manager, Practice Quality
College of Nurses of Ontario | www.cno.org
The above clarification follows up on the initial email regarding a CNO update of the College’s COVID-19 Practice Resources and the nursing services provided in medical aesthetics. Here’s that letter from Ms. Mill:
The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, and nurses need to monitor and adapt to changes in the health care environment. It is important for nurses to follow provincial legislation and regulations, Ministry of Health guidance, and public health directives when determining which nursing services, they can provide to help contain the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
CNO has recently updated our COVID-19 Practice Resources. As regulated health professionals, nurses are permitted to provide services if they align with provincial restrictions based on the ‘zone’ designations as set out in the Reopening Ontario Act and related regulations. See COVID-19 response framework for additional information. Nurses must consider whether any of the services they provide or that are provided as part of their practice setting need to be temporarily restricted in accordance with the provincial direction.
We encourage nurses to refer to the provincial legislation, regulations, and guidance for additional information. We encourage all nurses to consider how the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 in their geographical area impacts their practice and how providing in-person services may affect COVID-19 spread and regional health care capacity as a whole.
It is up to local public health units to determine if an individual is violating specific legislation, regulations, and/or public health directives related to or during the pandemic. Please consult with your local Public Health Unit or the MOH if you have additional questions related to providing specific services when geographical ‘zone’ restrictions are in place.
We understand this has been a difficult time for everyone, especially nurses, and we thank you for your continued commitment to protecting public health and safety.
Catriona Mill RN, BScN, MHSc, CCHN(c)
Manager, Practice Quality
College of Nurses of Ontario | www.cno.org