Question:
Dear Donna,
I wanted to know if RNs in the state of New Jersey are, with the proper training, legally allowed to inject Botox, Restylene, etc. I have searched for an answer to this question; I even contacted the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs and the state?s board of nursing, but I have not received a response or assistance from them.
Kathyn
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Kathyn,
I?m not surprised you didn?t get a response from the regulatory agencies in your state. Because this whole area (medical aesthetics) is still a relatively new and growing specialty for nurses, it is a gray area for some and they don?t know how to address it, so they avoid doing so. Your best source of information on this is the American Academy of Medical Esthetic Professionals (www.amen-usa.org).
You also should consult a nurse attorney. A nurse attorney has the ability to interpret the law and the nurse practice act in your state. If you?re considering doing this type of work, you?d want and need to consult an attorney anyway. Find a nurse attorney by getting a referral from your state nurses association (whether or not you are a member) or by asking around. You also can look in the yellow pages of your phone book for an attorney who also has an RN after his or her name. You can get a referral from The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (www.taana.org), although every nurse attorney does not belong to that association. Go to the proper sources, get the information your need, and move forward.
Good luck!
Donna
