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

Required; in-person examination mandatory Not allowed for initial visit; in-person exam required

Virginia · Strict

Good-Faith Exam Rules for Med Spas in Virginia

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

Can the exam be done by telehealth

Not allowed for initial visit; in-person exam required

Who can perform the exam vs. the injection

MD, DO, NP, PA under physician supervision; RN only under direct physician supervision

What to verify in Virginia

Ensure a Virginia-licensed physician is actively involved in ownership or management and confirm direct on-site supervision requirements for all injectors before opening.

Primary source: Virginia Medical Society; Virginia Board of Medicine; 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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