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 initiation. Not allowed. In-person examination required before any injectable treatment.

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 initiation.

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Not allowed. In-person examination required before any injectable treatment.

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

Ensure a licensed MD/DO is designated medical director with clear on-site or on-call availability and documented supervision protocols.

Primary source: New York State Department of Health / Medical Board

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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