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

Required; in-person exam before treatment Not allowed; in-person exam required

Rhode Island · Moderate

Good-Faith Exam Rules for Med Spas in Rhode Island

The good-faith exam (GFE) is the legal gate before any injectable or device treatment. Rhode Island'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 before treatment

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Not allowed; in-person exam required

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

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

What to verify in Rhode Island

Establish a written medical director agreement specifying RN delegation protocols and ensure all good-faith exams are documented as in-person.

Primary source: Rhode Island Department of Health; Rhode Island Medical Board

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

See the full Rhode Island regulation profile →

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