California good-faith exam for med spas
Requirements for the good-faith examination before treatment. Below are the California rules that govern it, each linked to its primary source. Monitoring and reference, not legal advice.
Good-faith examination in California
California requires an appropriate good-faith exam before prescriptive drugs or devices are used — and it may not be delegated to an RN.
Prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing a dangerous drug (such as Botox or fillers) without an appropriate prior examination and a medical indication is unprofessional conduct.
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §2242(a) · verified Jul 26, 2026 · read at Public.Law — California Codes
Per the Medical Board, the required prior examination may NOT be delegated to a registered nurse — a physician (or an NP or PA under standardized procedures) must perform the good-faith exam and issue a patient-specific order before an RN performs the injection or laser treatment.
Medical Board of California — Medical Spas guidance · verified Jul 26, 2026
An appropriate prior examination does not require a synchronous interaction between the patient and the licensee and can be achieved through the use of telehealth, including but not limited to a self-screening tool or a questionnaire, provided that the licensee complies with the appropriate standard of care.
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §2242(a) · verified Sep 8, 2026 · read at Public.Law — California Codes
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