The short answer. Cosmetic treatments should be performed by a registered health practitioner, such as a doctor or Registered Nurse, working within their scope. You can check any practitioner on the AHPRA register.
Cosmetic treatments are a health service
In Australia, cosmetic treatments involving prescription medicines should be carried out by a registered health practitioner, such as a doctor or a nurse who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and working within their scope of practice. Beauty therapists, for example, are not registered health practitioners.
Why this matters
- Accountability. Registered practitioners answer to a National Board and must meet professional standards.
- Assessment. Many of the medicines used in cosmetic treatments are prescription only. They should only be provided after a proper assessment, and the right prescriber needs to be involved.
- Safety. A trained practitioner understands the anatomy and knows how to respond if something does not go to plan.
National expectations
The National Boards have published guidelines for registered practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures. They cover things like assessing the person properly, obtaining informed consent, and managing complications. They exist to protect the public, and a good practitioner will be familiar with them.
What you can do
- Ask for the practitioner's profession and registration number.
- Look them up on the AHPRA register. Here is how to check a cosmetic nurse is registered.
- Ask about their process, including how they assess you and who the prescriber is, where that applies.
On the Gold Coast
Rachel is a Registered Nurse (AHPRA registration NMW0002567152) and offers cosmetic treatment consultations at La Bella Skin & Brows, Miami. Every treatment starts with a consultation. You can read more about Rachel or book a consultation.
Keep reading
- How to Check a Cosmetic Nurse Is Registered
- Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Consultation
- Cosmetic Treatments on the Gold Coast: What to Know Before You Book
- All guides
Sources and further reading
Published by Rachel's Cosmetics, Miami QLD. General information only, not medical advice. Last updated October 2026.
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