REMOTE CONSULTATION & PRESCRIBING POLICY

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK

REMOTE CONSULTATION & PRESCRIBING POLICY

Effective Date: 1st July 2025

Review Date: 1st July 2026

Approved By: Managing Director

Version: 1.0


 

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the safe, legal, and ethical framework for conducting remote consultations and issuing prescriptions at HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK. It ensures compliance with relevant UK laws and regulatory guidance, including but not limited to:

  • The Human Medicines Regulations 2012

  • Medicines Act 1968

  • GMC “Good Practice in Prescribing and Managing Medicines and Devices”

  • NMC “Standards for Prescribing Practice”

  • CQC Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment

  • Save Face Standards

  • GPhC Guidance for Online Prescribing

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All clinicians undertaking remote consultations and/or prescribing Prescription-Only Medicines (POMs)

  • Patients receiving treatment remotely (via telephone or video)

  • Administrative and clinical governance personnel are responsible for documentation and follow-up

This policy specifically excludes remote prescribing of Botulinum Toxin, which must be assessed and prescribed in person.

 

3. Principles of Safe Remote Prescribing

Remote prescribing will only be conducted in accordance with the following safeguards:

A. Patient Identity Verification

  • All patients must provide a valid government-issued photographic ID (e.g., passport, driving licence).

  • During the live video consultation, patients are asked to present their ID to the camera.

  • A screenshot of the ID is uploaded to the patient’s Insync Consent profile, and the patient’s facial image is set as the profile picture.

  • Records are stored securely by Insync, accessible to clinicians via encrypted HTML or the app interface.

 

B. Clinical Assessment Standards

  • All first-time prescriptions must follow a minimum 30-minute video consultation.

  • This includes review of medical history, current medications, allergies, BMI (measured using verified height and weight), and consent.

  • Follow-up prescriptions (e.g. weight loss medication) require a 15-minute video or in-person review, including re-check of weight/BMI and side-effect monitoring.

  • Prescribers must be satisfied that a physical examination is not necessary or has already taken place.

  • The mode of consultation (video/phone) must be justified and documented.

 

C. Consent

  • Verbal consent is recorded during the consultation.

  • Written consent is completed and signed electronically via Insync Consent.

  • Informed consent includes information on off-label use (if applicable), side effects, alternatives, storage, and disposal of medication.

 

4. Medicines Eligible for Remote Prescription

Remote prescribing may be considered for the following categories:

  • Weight management medications (e.g., Semaglutide, Tirzepatide – where clinically appropriate)

  • Vitamins & Supplements (e.g., B12)

  • Hair restoration POMs (e.g., minoxidil, finasteride – following clinical justification)

  • Skin treatments (e.g., tretinoin, clindamycin – for acne management with photographic evidence)

Botulinum toxin is not permitted for remote prescribing under any circumstances and requires a face-to-face prescriber consultation.

 

5. Dispensing & Medication Fulfilment

  • All prescriptions are sent to a dedicated UK pharmacy partner, such as:

    • Acre Pharmacy

    • Church Pharmacy

    • Roseway Pharmacy

     

  • The patient may opt for:

    • Clinic collection of the medication

    • Tracked postal delivery directly to their address

Prescriptions must not be dispensed outside the UK or by unregistered pharmacies.

 

6. Documentation

All remote consultations must include:

  • Full consultation notes (history, diagnosis, rationale for prescription, consent)

  • Screenshot of ID and facial profile stored securely via Insync

  • Prescriber details and GMC/NMC/GPhC number

  • Batch and expiry number of prescribed medications (recorded on the patient’s MAR if clinic-administered)

 

7. Training & Competence

  • Only qualified prescribers (Doctors, Dentists, and Nurse Independent Prescribers) may carry out remote prescribing.

  • All prescribers must have demonstrated competence in telemedicine through CPD or previous NHS/regulated practice.

  • Annual audits of remote prescribing practice will be conducted under the Clinical Governance Calendar.

 

8. Safeguards, Contraindications & Escalation

  • If any red flag symptoms are identified, patients will be referred to their GP or emergency services.

  • Prescriptions will not be issued if a physical examination is clinically necessary.

  • Any refusal to prescribe will be documented with an explanation and, where appropriate, signposting to an alternative service.

 

9. Governance & Compliance

  • This policy forms part of the HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK Clinical Governance Framework.

  • Annual review will take place, or sooner if prompted by a CQC inspection, legislative change, or adverse event

  • Remote prescribing is audited in line with CQC Regulation 12 and Save Face standards.