Running a med spa means having the right legal agreements in place. Between corporate practice of medicine laws, medical director requirements, and state licensing, getting compliant contracts can feel expensive and slow.Inhouse makes it simple. Draft medical director agreements, MSO templates, and consent forms in minutes using AI. Then optionally loop in a lawyer for review. This guide explains what agreements you need and links to resources for each.
What is Med Spa Compliance?
Med spa compliance means following all federal and state regulations for medical aesthetic services. This includes:
Proper licensing for your facility and staff
Required medical oversight from a licensed physician
Following CPOM regulations in your state
Maintaining legally compliant patient documentation
Most states prohibit non-physicians from owning medical practices. This is called corporate practice of medicine (CPOM). If your med spa offers medical services like Botox, fillers, or laser treatments, you must navigate these regulations carefully. Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or forced closure.
Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM)
CPOM laws prevent non-physicians from owning or controlling medical practices. These laws exist to protect patients from business interests interfering with medical care.If you're a non-physician owner offering medical services, you need a compliant structure. The two most common approaches are:
Medical Director Agreement:
You contract with a licensed physician who maintains complete control over medical services and protocols. You handle business operations while they handle medical decisions.
MSO Structure:
You own a Management Services Organization that provides business support to a separate physician-owned professional corporation that handles all medical services.
Learn more: What is Corporate Practice of Medicine?
Medical Director Requirements
Most states require med spas to have a medical director who provides physician oversight for medical services. The medical director ensures compliance with medical board regulations and provides clinical supervision.Requirements vary significantly by state:
Some states require on-site physician presence
Others allow remote oversight with availability requirements
Specific procedures may have different supervision standards
Learn more: Do I Need a Medical Director Agreement?
MSO Structure and Legal Entities
A Management Services Organization (MSO) is the most common structure for non-physician-owned med spas.Here's how it works:
The MSO
handles non-medical operations like marketing, billing, and facilities management
The Professional Corporation (PC)
is physician-owned and handles all medical services
This structure separates business operations from medical practice, maintaining CPOM compliance.Learn more: What is an MSO Structure?
Consent Forms and Patient Documentation
Med spas must obtain informed consent before any medical procedure. Your consent forms must clearly explain:
The procedure being performed
Potential risks and complications
Alternative treatment options
Many states have specific requirements for cosmetic procedure consent forms. Proper documentation protects both your patients and your business from liability.Learn more: Are Med Spa Consent Forms Required?
Common Med Spa Compliance Questions
We've answered the most common questions med spa owners have about compliance:
Core Compliance
Medical Director
MSO Structure
State-Specific
Operations and Forms
Draft Your Med Spa Contracts with Inhouse
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