What It Takes to Be Medspa Board Certified.
These standards were developed by our advisory board alongside stakeholders from every corner of aesthetics. We apply the same bar nationwide — even where state laws vary. Here's exactly what we look for.
The Eight Standards.
Licensure
Every provider on your team is licensed and active in their state. No exceptions.
Criteria- All providers licensed and active in their state.
- Includes every provider type on staff: MD/DO, NP, PA, RN, LPN/LVN, and aestheticians.
- Current license numbers, expiration dates, and NPIs on file.
A complete roster of every provider with license numbers, expiration dates, and NPIs.
Medical Director
A qualified, active medical director takes ultimate responsibility for patient safety, supervision, and protocols.
Criteria- Active MD or DO license — or NP or PA where state law permits.
- Trained and qualified in every procedure they delegate.
- Ensures providers are trained, qualified, and supervised.
- Develops and signs written protocols for every aesthetic medical treatment.
- Listed publicly on the spa's website and in-spa signage.
- Participates in an interview with the Medspa Board.
License number, NPI, signed attestation, and a scheduled interview with the Board.
Good Faith Exam
Every patient is evaluated by a qualified provider before receiving a medical aesthetic service.
Criteria- Performed by an MD, DO, PA, or NP
- Required before any patient receives a medical service.
A signed policy statement on the application confirming your exam protocol.
Delegation
Medical services are only delegated to providers trained, qualified, and properly supervised for each procedure.
Criteria- Initial exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan completed by a qualified provider.
- Delegated providers are specifically trained for each treatment they perform.
- Supervision protocols are documented and in place.
- Written complication and adverse-event protocols signed by the supervising physician or medical director.
Signed medical director attestation confirming delegation and supervision practices.
Product Sourcing
Every product you use is FDA-approved and legally purchased from a legitimate source.
Criteria- All injectables and medical products FDA-approved.
- Sourced from legitimate, licensed manufacturers or distributors.
List of your injectable sources and manufacturers, plus a signed attestation of legal sourcing.
Ownership
Your ownership structure complies with your state's medical corporate-practice laws.
Criteria- Ownership structure meets state requirements for medical practice ownership.
- Accurate statement of ownership on file.
Statement of ownership and signed legal-ownership attestation.
Emergency Preparedness
Your practice is ready to respond to aesthetic complications — including vascular occlusions and burns.
Criteria- Emergency protocols documented for burns and vascular occlusions.
- Minimum of 16 vials of hyaluronidase on hand at all times.
- Written vascular occlusion (VO) procedure plan, reviewed and updated annually.
Hyaluronidase inventory confirmation and a signed annual review of your VO procedure plan.
Federal Law Compliance
Certified medspas comply with all federal laws governing medical practice.
Criteria- HIPAA — patient privacy.
- OSHA — workplace safety.
- FDA — drug and device safety.
- FTC — truth in advertising.
Signed attestation of compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, FDA, and FTC regulations applicable to your practice.
For Medspa Owners
Certification Requirements — FAQ
What we review, how the process works, and what happens if you fall short.
We verify eight critical standards developed by our medical and legal advisory board. We check provider licenses, active medical director oversight, good-faith exam policies, delegation protocols, FDA-approved product sourcing, legal ownership structures, and emergency preparedness — including having 16 vials of hyaluronidase on hand.
If your application falls short, our advisory team will tell you exactly what is missing and how to fix it. We are here to raise the bar, not guard the gate. You have up to one year to close the compliance gaps without paying a new application fee.
Yes, we apply the exact same rigorous standard nationwide. Even if your state law sets a lower minimum requirement, our certification standard remains strict. This ensures that the Medspa Board seal means the exact same thing to patients everywhere.
The process has three simple steps. First, you submit your application and fee through our secure portal. Second, our advisory board conducts an independent review of your documents and briefly interviews your medical director. Finally, upon approval, you receive your seal, directory listing, and insurance discount.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
If you're close but not quite there, we'll tell you exactly what's missing — and how to close the gap. We're here to raise the bar, not guard the gate.
Download the Checklist