California Requirements for Medi-Spas Medical spas that offer medical procedures must be owned by doctors. Physicians cannot simply serve as medical directors of Med Spa, but must operate the Med Spa under their medical practice and license. And non-doctors, like nurses, cannot have a stake in a medical business. In Texas, nurse practitioners, estheticians, and other non-medical individuals cannot own a medical spa, also known as a medical spa or medical spa.
However, a non-physician can participate in the day-to-day operations of a medical spa through a Management Services Organization (MSO). In California, corporate practice of medicine is not allowed. Only doctors can own and operate a doctor's office, corporation, or business. The physician must be the practice owner or be an employee of the medical corporation or company (which is also owned by licensed physicians).
Nor can a California medical spa “rent a license” (hiring a doctor, be it a doctor, an osteopathic doctor, or a naturopathic doctor) or otherwise violate the provisions of corporate practice of medicine. Not only can physicians serve as medical directors of Med Spa, but they must operate the Med Spa under their medical practice and license. And non-doctors, like nurses, cannot have a stake in the ownership of a medical business. A number of enterprising nurse practitioners are taking the medspa route, opening practices that attend cosmetic procedures.
A nurse practitioner reader recently posted a comment on ThriveAP related to MedSpas and delegation to estheticians. The American MedSpa Association provides a summary of these state guidelines, although to access this resource, one must pay to become a member of the organization. Make sure that you and your staff are properly trained in the administration of cosmetic procedures before opening the doors of your MedSpa. Not only should you review the scope of practice guidelines for NPs in your state, but you should also refer to specific guidelines for owning a MedSpa or a practice that offers cosmetic procedures.
Similar guidelines may exist for nursing professionals who delegate nurses or estheticians in the MedSpa environment. Opening a MedSpa can be a cost-effective way for nurse practitioners to use their skills in a business endeavor.
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