Can a nurse practitioner own a medical spa in California without being under a doctor? (2024)

FAQs

Can a nurse practitioner own a medical spa in California without being under a doctor? ›

Generally, NPs can own and operate a medical spa, but there are important regulations to consider. California law requires that medical spas, which provide medical services, operate under the supervision of a licensed physician.

In 2020, California took a significant step forward with AB 890. This legislation expanded the scope of practice for NPs, granting them the ability to practice independently under specific conditions. This move aimed to increase access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved areas.

Beginning in 2023, certified nurse practitioners can apply to practice independently in California.

The new law creates two NP categories. Beginning in January 2023, NPs who completed 4,600 hours or three years of full-time clinical work in the State of California can apply to work without physician supervision. However, the facility must have at least one practicing doctor or surgeon on-site.

California Specific Laws and Regulations for Med Spas

Only medical practitioners licensed by a medical board (such as doctors, dentists, therapists, psychologists, optometrists, and other medical specialists) are allowed to own med spas.

Medical spas are marketing vehicles for medical procedures. If they are offering medical procedures, they must be owned by physicians.

Assuming you are a business person with no license in any health occupation, you cannot become the sole owner of medical practice. In short, a non-doctor is prohibited from owning a medical corporation in the State of California.

About AB 890 (Wood, 2020)

The law went into effect on January 1, 2023, enabling NPs in specified practice settings across California to begin practicing without physician supervision and expand access to much-needed care.

California law prohibits registered nurses from forming LLCs or a traditional general corporations for their nursing practices. Instead, they must register as a Nursing Professional Corporation when starting a nursing business.

Botox Laws in California

Only physicians may perform this procedure. Physician assistants and registered nurses may also inject Botox but only under a physician's supervision.

Can nurse practitioners call themselves doctor in California? ›

California law states that only graduates of medical school and those with a license to practice medicine are legally permitted to use “doctor” or “physician”' and the prefix “Dr.” or initials “M.D.” Anyone who does not fit these qualifications and uses these terms in a sign, business card, letterhead, or advertisem*nt ...

Applicants are expected to hold a valid RN license to practice in California, have completed a board-approved postgraduate nurse practitioner preparatory program, and obtained national certification from board-approved national certifying agencies.

California's Nurse Practitioner Prescribing Laws

Fortunately, in California, NP's have this privilege… under physician supervision. Nurse practitioners in California may order, administer, dispense and prescribe medications including schedule II-V controlled substances.

Based on rough estimates, med spas can expect a profit margin of 20-25% on average, amounting to $300-375K in yearly profits for the average med spa owner. Such estimates hint at the profit potential of owning a med spa, even if actual returns will vary based on a med spa's geographic location, type, and size.

Can you own a SPAS-12 in California? Owning a SPAS-12 in California is illegal due to its classification as an assault weapon, unless it was owned prior to the state's assault weapon ban and properly registered.

Spa owners' earnings can vary widely based on the spa's size, location, and financial performance. Generally, spa owners can expect: Small or Independent Spas: Owners might earn between $40,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the profitability of the business.

Most nurse practitioner (65%) respondents in California are providing primary care. Perceived barriers to practice are lack of prescriptive authority, lack of support from physicians, reimbursem*nt difficulties, and lack of public awareness.

(1) Hold a valid and active registered nursing license issued under this chapter. (2) Possess a master's degree in nursing, a master's degree in a clinical field related to nursing, or a graduate degree in nursing. (3) Satisfactorily complete a nurse practitioner program approved by the board.