Virginia · Strict

Do You Need a Medical Director for a Med Spa in Virginia?

Q: Does a medical spa in Virginia need a medical director?

Required; physician must oversee all aesthetic procedures Strict; physician-owned or MSO with strong physician control This is the doctrine that decides whether a non-physician can own or control the practice, and it usually travels hand-in-hand with the medical-director question.

Whether Virginia requires a medical director — and what that director is actually on the hook for — shapes your staffing, your liability, and your startup budget. Here's the Virginia picture.

By Evan at Inside MedSpa

Medical director requirement

Required; physician must oversee all aesthetic procedures

Corporate Practice of Medicine

Strict; physician-owned or MSO with strong physician control This is the doctrine that decides whether a non-physician can own or control the practice, and it usually travels hand-in-hand with the medical-director question.

Who can supervise or delegate

NP/PA may inject under physician collaboration/supervision; independent practice not permitted

How the exam ties in

Required; in-person examination strongly preferred

What to verify in Virginia

Consult Virginia Board of Nursing and Virginia Medical Board on RN injection scope before hiring; ensure physician ownership or tight MSO control.

Primary source: Virginia Medical Board; Virginia Board of Nursing

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

See the full Virginia regulation profile →

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