CNO strengthens client safety with new requirements for nurses providing aesthetic services

Council approves updated standards that support safer, consistent nursing care

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- The College of Nurses of Ontario's (CNO's) Council (or board) has approved changes to nursing practice that strengthen safeguards for people receiving care, including aesthetic services.

The changes include new requirements for nurses providing aesthetic services, as well as broader updates that apply across all nursing practice settings. The updates to the Scope of Practice and Medication practice standards clarify nurses' accountabilities and support public safety in nursing across Ontario.

Council's decision was informed by evidence and feedback received from nurses, members of the public and system partners through a public consultation conducted in summer 2026.

"These changes put client safety first by setting clearer expectations for nurses and strengthening safeguards wherever nursing care is provided," said Silvie Crawford, RN, CNO's Registrar & CEO. "Ontarians should be able to feel confident that their care is based on their individual needs and delivered with appropriate oversight."

What is changing?
Under the updated standards, nurses providing aesthetic services will be required to:

• remain onsite for the entire procedure when it is delegated to someone who does not otherwise have the authority to perform a controlled act, such as an unregulated care provider administering a substance by injection; and
• use client-specific orders, rather than directives, for treatments involving prescription drugs or controlled acts.

The updated standards also clarify expectations across all practice settings, including:

• requiring authorized providers to complete an initial client assessment, in-person or virtual, and establish a plan of care with follow-up before issuing a client-specific order; and
• providing clearer expectations regarding delegation.

"Clear standards help nurses understand their accountabilities and help the public know what to expect from nursing care," said Crawford. "These updates strengthen nursing practice while keeping safe, client-centred care at the forefront."

What this means for the public
These changes help protect the public by making sure nursing care is based on an individual client's needs, circumstances and treatment goals. Client-specific orders and assessments support informed clinical decision-making, while onsite supervision requirements help ensure that appropriate oversight is available when procedures are delegated.

What is staying the same?
Nurses must continue to assess clients and have the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to provide safe care. Nurses who delegate remain responsible for ensuring the person accepting the delegation can perform the procedure safely and remain accountable for the client's ongoing care.

In effect date
The updated Scope of Practice and Medication practice standards will take effect on March 1, 2027, providing nurses, employers and organizations time to understand and implement the new requirements. Visit cno.org for more information.

About CNO
CNO's purpose is to protect the public by promoting safe nursing practice. We do this by setting the requirements for becoming a nurse in Ontario; informing nurses of their accountabilities and what you can expect from nurses; responding to concerns about nurses' conduct, competence and health; and ensuring nurses engage in continuous quality improvement throughout their careers. CNO is committed to fostering a safe and trustworthy health care environment for all. As Ontario's nursing regulator and the authoritative source of province-wide nursing data, CNO provides oversight and insights that support public protection and understanding of the nursing profession. To learn more, visit cno.org. 

SOURCE College of Nurses of Ontario

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