Washington Frequently Asked Aesthetic Legal Questions

The Washington medical spa legal summary breaks down the laws governing non-invasive medical aesthetics in the state.

Who can own a med spa? Who can inject Botox? Who can fire a laser? Are Botox parties legal?

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Which procedures at medical spas constitute medical treatment?

Who can own a medical spa?

If I’m not a doctor, can I employ a “medical director” to provide medical services for my medical spa?

If I'm not a doctor, can I share in the profits of a medical spa?

Can a nurse, physician assistant or nurse practitioner take a commission for administering laser treatments or injectables like Botox?

Do I have to be a doctor to own medical spa equipment, like lasers, or real estate?

Do I need to charge sales tax on procedures like Botox?

Are Botox parties legal?

Who can legally fire a laser under Washington law?

Who can legally inject Botox under Washington law?

Does a physician need to be on site during laser and intense pulse light (IPL) devices?

What kind of physician supervision is needed for a registered nurse (RN) in a medical spa?

Does a physician have to examine every new patient before the patient is treated at a med spa?

What about nurse practitioners and physician assistants? Can they see new patients or must a physician do it?

When is a physician-patient relationship needed? How is it established? Is a physician-patient relationship established by a consultation?

Does a medical spa need to obtain a license to operate?

Can a medical spa offer discounts through Groupon or other similar social networking websites?

What type of records are medical spas required to keep of their patients?

Can a med spa text or email patients to convey confidential medical information?

If a patient posted a message or a review on a medical spa’s social media page, can and how should the medical spa respond?

Is it legal to purchase drugs like Botox and fillers from overseas? From Canada, Europe, or Asia?

Can a chiropractor or dentist serve as a medical director?

Who can legally perform the following treatments: microneedling; lasers/light-emitting devices; dermaplaning; Coolsculpting; permanent makeup?

Disclaimer: The information and answers contained in these frequently asked questions provide a general guide to certain laws that apply to "medical spas" in this particular state. The information on this site is for general reference only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed, as medical spa legalities and regulations change very frequently. This information is not intended to provide legal advice, and it should not be relied upon as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers: You should not act upon this information without seeking knowledgeable legal counsel that takes the laws of your jurisdiction into account. All uses of the content of this site, other than personal uses, are prohibited.