An APRN who meets the requisite educational and experiential requirements may own a med spa and function as the medical director. An APRN who functions as the medical director would be expected to be educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures. Pursuant to KRS 314.021(2) all nurses are held responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual's educational preparation and current clinical competence. One method for demonstrating educational preparation and clinical competence is through obtaining relevant certifications within a specialty area. Another method would be to create a portfolio of trainings, workshops, and continuing education that demonstrates the acquisition of additional knowledge and clinical competency in the specialty area.
The KBN recognizes that aesthetic/cosmetic and dermatological services refer to a broad range of procedures including personal care and health maintenance/health promotion regimens incorporated into the patient's nursing care plan. APRNs should consult the APRN Scope of Practice and Decision Making Model as well as AOS #35, both are found in the Document Library, to determine if it is within their scope of practice to assess, diagnosis, administer, prescribe treatments, and order products.
One of the most important elements in patient care is the medical relationship that exists between the provider and the patient. The relationship is termed the “practitioner-patient relationship" and is defined in KRS 218A.010 (18) & (41).
The performance of a documented initial assessment/evaluation and development of a treatment plan is a prerequisite for the implementation of any treatment or therapy by a qualified health care provider [MD, APRN, PA, Dentist –see KRS 314.011(6)]. Diagnosis and creation of a treatment plan may not be delegated to a RN, LPN or Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.