Opening a medspa can be a cost-effective way for nurse practitioners to use their skills in a business endeavor. Care should be taken when planning such a business, especially when it comes to state scope of practice, supervision, and training requirements. Not surprisingly, many non-medical businessmen and healthcare professionals see an opportunity in medical spa ownership, but aren't sure how to proceed. The fact of the matter is that in most U.S.
In the US, the services provided by medical spas are considered medical. Under a legal doctrine known as the “corporate practice of medicine,” only a doctor or a corporation owned by a doctor can own a medical facility. In addition, only physicians or corporations owned by physicians can collect patient fees for the provision of medical services. Can a nurse practitioner have a medspa in Georgia? States vary in who can start a consultation with or employ a doctor.
It is commonly referred to as corporate practice of medicine. 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. Whether they don't know the rules or aren't willing to follow them, some entrepreneurs open medspas that violate the doctrine of corporate practice of medicine. 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. A nurse practitioner reader recently posted a comment on ThriveAP related to MedSpas and delegation to estheticians. Similar guidelines may exist for nursing professionals who delegate nurses or estheticians in the MedSpa environment. A number of enterprising nurse practitioners are taking the MedSpa route, opening practices that attend cosmetic procedures.
