Is a good-faith exam required before treatment in California, and can it be done by telehealth?

Required; in-person exam mandatory before treatment Not allowed; in-person examination required before any injectable treatment

California · Strict

Good-Faith Exam Rules for Med Spas in California

The good-faith exam (GFE) is the legal gate before any injectable or device treatment. California's rules on who performs it — and whether it can happen over telehealth — directly affect how you schedule and staff.

By Evan at Inside MedSpa

Is a good-faith exam required

Required; in-person exam mandatory before treatment

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Not allowed; in-person examination required before any injectable treatment

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

MD, DO, NP, PA, RN under physician supervision/delegation

What to verify in California

Verify physician ownership or establish compliant MSO with physician control; confirm on-site supervising physician availability for all injection days.

Primary source: California Medical Board; California Board of Registered Nursing

General business information for California medical-spa owners, current as of 2026 — not legal advice. State boards update rules often; confirm specifics with the California board (and your own counsel) before you act.

See the full California regulation profile →

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