For the past several years there has been an increasing number of physicians who have become involved in the spa industry. Whether an existing spa has asked a physician to become a "Medical Director" or if you are a physician interested in becoming an owner/director of your own facility–this book will get you started in the right direction. Awareness of the legal and liability issues that will affect a medical spa is an integral first step in developing a business plan.
On the surface, it may appear that to add spa services to an existing medical practice or have a physician come into your spa to perform medical procedures, seems pretty straight forward, and will add to your revenue stream. However, neither the skin care licensing boards or the medical licensing boards have clearly defined this merging of medical and spa or hybrid "medical spa" industry.
The purpose of this book is to outline existing rules, regulations and laws that may affect your "medical spa" on a federal and state level, and then clearly define licensing and scope of practice rules of the "esthetics industry." And make no mistake–if you are opening a "spa"–your facility will be under the direct scrutiny of the State Boards that regulate Estheticians and the facilities services that are offered to the public.
As you develop your business plan and most important–the philosophy of your medical spa–you will, after reading this book, have a much clearer understanding of the regulations that will affect your business.
Of course, this book is in no way a substitute for obtaining sound advice from an attorney or risk manager, however, having the knowledge of what is contained in this book will save you hundreds in attorney research fees!
