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

Required; in-person exam mandatory before treatment. Not allowed; in-person exam required for initial visit.

New York · Strict

Good-Faith Exam Rules for Med Spas in New York

The good-faith exam (GFE) is the legal gate before any injectable or device treatment. New York'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 exam required for initial visit.

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

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

What to verify in New York

Verify physician supervision requirements and ensure compliance with New York State Department of Health regulations before launching.

Primary source: New York State Department of Health; State Board of Medicine; Board of Nursing.

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

See the full New York regulation profile →

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