Who may perform the pre-treatment exam in California?
Intake · part of The Practice Perimeter
Short answer
Only a physician — or an NP or PA acting under standardized procedures — may perform the good-faith prior exam and issue the patient-specific order; it cannot be delegated to an RN, who may then carry out the injection or laser treatment.
Per the Medical Board, the required prior examination may NOT be delegated to a registered nurse — a physician (or an NP or PA under standardized procedures) must perform the good-faith exam and issue a patient-specific order before an RN performs the injection or laser treatment.
Medical Board of California — Medical Spas guidance · verified Jul 26, 2026 · regulatory monitoring, not legal advice
The rest of what California says on this
Prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing a dangerous drug (such as Botox or fillers) without an appropriate prior examination and a medical indication is unprofessional conduct.
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §2242(a) · verified Jul 26, 2026 · read at Public.Law — California Codes
An appropriate prior examination does not require a synchronous interaction between the patient and the licensee and can be achieved through the use of telehealth, including but not limited to a self-screening tool or a questionnaire, provided that the licensee complies with the appropriate standard of care.
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §2242(a) · verified Sep 8, 2026 · read at Public.Law — California Codes
How other states answer this
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