By 2023, the number of medical spas in the United States is expected to pass 10,000 establishments with staggering revenue numbers surpassing the $18 billion mark. With a massive number of residents and tourists seeking this type of service, the state of Florida is a great place to open a medical spa.
Who can own a medical spa? Which licenses are required by Florida law? Read on to find out.
What is a Medical Spa? – Understanding the Concept
A medical spa is a type of spa that offers medical procedures and aesthetical treatments that cannot be offered at an average day spa. Hence, a licensed medical doctor is responsible for overseeing, running, or being affiliated with the establishment.
Please note that the doctor does not necessarily need to perform every procedure available in the spa, but all treatments are supervised by him or her. Generally, doctors in charge of medical spas are often plastic surgeons or dermatologists.
Who is Allowed to Own a Medical Spa Under Florida Law?
The owner of a medical spa in Florida must not always be a licensed doctor. State law allows anyone to own a medical spa, as long as the procedures and treatments are performed only by licensed professionals with current certifications.
For example, if the owner of a medical spa is not a licensed health care provider, he or she must hire a medical doctor to oversee the clinic. Florida law authorizes anyone to own a medical spa, as long as the nonmedical owner does not define:
- The types of services offered to patients
- How services are offered to patients
- What treatment is adequate for each patient
Are Medical Spas Licensed in Florida?
The licensing requirements for medical spas in Florida depend on whether the establishment works with insurance plans. If a medical spa works only with cash payments, the owner does not need to apply for a specific license.
As long as the establishment has a licensed doctor to prescribe and oversee the treatments and procedures performed in the clinic, no licensure is required.
Florida Medical Spa License – Hiring Licensed Professionals
Medical spas often need an extensive list of professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and estheticians. The complexity of running a medical spa often lies in the broad scope of regulatory rules that encompass several categories.
Nonmedical personnel can only act within the boundaries fixed by state law. For example, nonsurgical procedures such as laser hair removal and injectable dermal fillers can be performed exclusively by licensed professionals.
Looking towards the statutes and regulatory provisions for each separate professional category is a time-consuming and demanding task for med spa owners. The best approach is to work with a licensing attorney to identify:
- Whether service providers are properly licensed
- Which licenses apply to the establishment
- How to obtain the necessary licensing efficiently and timely
Different licensees also require distinct levels of supervision. For example, it is hard for nonmedical owners to identify whether estheticians can perform certain services or to which extent they need close supervision from a licensed physician.
Do You Want to Own a Medical Spa in Florida? – Immediately Contact Jurado & Associates, P.A.
A well-versed licensing attorney from Jurado & Associates, P.A. is willing to help you. Contact us today by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to schedule a consultation.
