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

Required; in-person or telehealth permitted Allowed; telehealth GFE acceptable for initial visit if appropriate

District of Columbia · Moderate

Good-Faith Exam Rules for Med Spas in District of Columbia

The good-faith exam (GFE) is the legal gate before any injectable or device treatment. District of Columbia'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 or telehealth permitted

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Allowed; telehealth GFE acceptable for initial visit if appropriate

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

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

What to verify in District of Columbia

Verify delegation protocols with DC Department of Health and ensure physician oversight documentation is clear.

Primary source: DC Department of Health, Board of Medicine and Board of Nursing

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

See the full District of Columbia regulation profile →

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