Do I Need a Medical Director Agreement?

Most med spas need a medical director agreement to operate legally. If you're a non-physician owner offering medical services like Botox, fillers, or laser treatments, you almost certainly need one.

When You Need a Medical Director Agreement

You need a medical director agreement if:

  • You're a non-physician owner offering medical aesthetic services
  • Your state requires physician oversight for cosmetic procedures
  • You employ nurses, physician assistants, or other providers performing medical treatments
  • You want to avoid corporate practice of medicine (CPOM) violations

What a Medical Director Agreement Must Include

Your medical director agreement must clearly establish:

  • Physician Control: The physician has complete authority over all medical decisions
  • Supervision Standards: How the physician will supervise treatments and staff
  • Protocols: Written procedures for all medical services
  • Emergency Procedures: Clear protocols for handling complications
  • Compensation: How the medical director will be paid

State-Specific Requirements

Requirements vary significantly by state:

  • Texas requires physicians to be readily available during procedures
  • California mandates specific independence standards for the physician
  • Florida defines "responsible supervision" with strict accessibility requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many med spa owners make these critical errors:

  • Using generic contract templates that don't meet state requirements
  • Failing to give the medical director actual control over medical decisions
  • Not documenting supervision adequately
  • Missing required training or protocol documentation

Medical boards actively look for these red flags during audits.

Learn more in our complete Med Spa Compliance Guide, including state-specific medical director requirements.

Generate your state-compliant Medical Director Agreement in 5 minutes - AI-drafted for $49, or get full attorney review starting at $149. Get Started →

Get expert legal help for your med spa

Get Started