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

Required; in-person exam before treatment Not allowed for initial aesthetic treatment visits

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 exam before treatment

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Not allowed for initial aesthetic treatment visits

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

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

What to verify in District of Columbia

Retain a DC-licensed physician as medical director and ensure all delegation protocols are documented in writing.

Primary source: DC Department of Health, Board of Medicine

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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