Plastic surgery nurses are now administering Botox in Bloomington

As of July, IU Health Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Bloomington nurses have taken a step forward in patient care and are now authorized to administer Botox under physician supervision, thanks to approval from IU Health’s Scope of Care Task Committee.

Abigail Gonzalez, RN, presented to the committee that after a patient receives a good faith examination—conducted by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner within IU Health Plastic Surgery or Dermatology—a nurse within that practice may continue administering Botox for up to one year following the initial evaluation. Bloomington's good faith examinations are currently performed by Elizabeth Lucich, MD, and Sarah Botkin, PA-C.

To ensure the highest standards of care, nurses underwent a rigorous two-day training led by neurotoxin representatives. The course covered essential topics such as facial anatomy, medication reconstitution, muscle-specific dosing, administration techniques and best practices for patient education.

“Patients coming to us for Botox are now receiving more comprehensive, coordinated care than they might elsewhere,” says Gonzalez. “They benefit from expert consultations with physicians and PAs, followed by treatment and follow-up from nurses who are specially trained in neurotoxin administration.”

This change not only enhances continuity of care but also reflects IU Health’s commitment to empowering nurses and elevating patient outcomes.

What this means for patients
Patients often face long wait times at medical spas. Allowing nurses to administer Botox improves access to care and ensures patients benefit from a comprehensive treatment in a setting with access to physicians and advanced practice providers.

What this means for team members
This change affirms that Botox administration is within the nursing scope of care and helps expand access for physicians, enhancing team-based care delivery.