Strengthened Safeguards for Remote Prescribing: What New Guidance Means for Online Pharmacies and Cosmetic Clinics

In response to growing concerns about client and patient safety, two major UK healthcare regulators — the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — have issued important updates to their policies on remote prescribing.

These updates aim to strengthen safeguards for clients and patients receiving prescription medicines online or through non-surgical cosmetic procedures, reflecting a shift toward tighter regulation and greater accountability. While both updates focus on remote prescribing, their scopes and approaches differ significantly. Together, they mark a substantial change in expectations for prescribers, pharmacy professionals, and cosmetic clinics operating in the UK.

GPhC’s New Safeguards for Online Pharmacies

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published updated guidance for all online pharmacies in Great Britain, requiring stronger safety measures to prevent the inappropriate supply of medicines. This move comes after repeated inspections and investigations revealed instances of unsafe prescribing practices and medicine misuse.

Key elements of the GPhC’s updated guidance include:

• Independent Verification for High-Risk Medicines: Online prescribers can no longer rely solely on online questionnaires. Instead, they must independently verify patient information via direct communication, access to clinical records, or contact with the patient’s GP or regular prescriber.
• Expanded Definition of High-Risk Medicines: Medicines for weight management and those requiring physical examination before being prescribed now fall under stricter rules. Prescribers must verify weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) to support safe prescribing.
• Two-Way Communication Required: For all remote prescribing, there must be a means of real-time, two-way communication between prescriber and patient. This ensures patients can ask questions and make informed decisions.
• New Responsibilities for Pharmacy Leadership: The responsibility to implement and oversee these standards now lies not only with pharmacy owners but also Superintendent Pharmacists. Any incentive schemes for prescribers are prohibited to prevent conflicts of interest.
• Collaboration with Advertising Regulators: Online pharmacies must comply with MHRA and ASA rules on the promotion of medicines, addressing concerns over misleading advertising.

The GPhC expects all online pharmacies and pharmacy professionals involved in distance services to comply immediately. Inspections will continue, and enforcement action will be taken when necessary.

NMC’s Updated Position on Cosmetic Prescribing

Meanwhile, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced a significant policy change affecting the remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines, such as anti-wrinkle injections and aesthetic emergency kits. Effective 1 June 2025, face-to-face consultations will become mandatory for nurse and midwife prescribers before issuing such prescriptions.

This decision follows public research and stakeholder engagement which found:

• Many patients were unaware that the injectables used in cosmetic procedures are prescription-only medicines.
• Procedures are often carried out by individuals without appropriate qualifications in unregulated settings, raising safety risks.
• Although some cosmetic business owners supported remote consultations, the majority of the public welcomed tighter controls to protect patient safety.

The NMC’s updated stance brings it in line with other healthcare regulators and reflects a commitment to public trust and professional accountability.

Comparing the Two Approaches

While both updates deal with remote prescribing, they differ in scope and implementation:

Summary

What this means for prescribers and clinics – These changes signal a clear message of client and patient safety must take precedence over convenience in remote prescribing practices.

• Prescribers must be more diligent, ensuring proper consultations take place and that clinical decisions are based on verified, reliable information. They should no longer rely solely on online forms or patient-reported data.
• Online pharmacies must revise their operational procedures, ensure robust verification systems are in place, and be prepared for more stringent inspections and regulatory oversight.
• Cosmetic clinics employing nurse or midwife prescribers must adjust workflows to accommodate in-person consultations, potentially altering business models that currently rely on remote services. Clinics should prepare now for the June 2025 deadline.

Ultimately, these updates aim to restore public confidence in online healthcare and aesthetic services by holding providers to higher professional standards. While implementation may require operational changes and investment, the long-term benefit lies in protecting clients and patients, while maintaining the integrity of healthcare professions.