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 be actively involved in oversight 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 be actively involved in oversight

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 agreement; independent practice restricted

How the exam ties in

Required; in-person examination mandatory

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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