Can a PA Open a Med Spa?
A State-by-State Guide for Physician Assistants

The medical aesthetics industry is experiencing rapid growth, and many physician assistants (PAs) are wondering: Can a PA open a med spa?

The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on your state’s regulations as well as how you structure your business. Understanding these complexities is crucial before making any investment decisions.

Let’s break down what you need to know.

Understanding the Role of a Physician Assistant

PAs are highly trained medical professionals who provide essential care alongside physicians. Beyond hospitals and clinics, PAs are finding opportunities in a rapidly growing med spa industry that needs their medical expertise and hands-on skills.

For those aspiring to become a PA, this career path offers the chance to combine healthcare knowledge with aesthetic artistry.

What Is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision or collaboration of a doctor. PAs must complete rigorous education programs. They have to get a master’s degree and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to get a license.

PAs are trained to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform certain procedures. Their scope of practice varies by state but generally includes many of the services commonly offered in medical spas.

How PAs Are Involved in Aesthetic and Medical Services

In med spa settings, PAs commonly perform:

These services fall within most PAs’ scope of practice. Acquiring these skills makes them well-qualified to work in aesthetic medicine.

Difference Between PA, NP, and MD in a Med Spa Setting

The key differences lie in autonomy and supervision requirements:

Physicians (MDs/DOs): They are allowed to practice independently and own a medical facility in America.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs): They have independent practice rights in many states, but with ownership restrictions.
Physician Assistants: They typically require physician collaboration or supervision, which could affect their business ownership options.

Can a Physician Assistant Open a Med Spa?

It depends on legal and regulatory frameworks. Yes, PAs can provide aesthetic and medical treatments. But state laws and medical board rules often mandate who can own or operate medical facilities. You must understand these requirements before you pursue med spa ownership.

Legal and Licensing Considerations

The ability for a PA to open their own med spa depends on several factors:

Most states require medical facilities to have physician oversight, even when PAs provide the services. This doesn’t necessarily prevent PA ownership but may require specific business structures.

State Laws and Supervision Requirements

According to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), states across America can fall into the following four categories when it comes to PA practices:

Your state’s classification directly impacts how much independence you have in operating or owning a med spa.

Ownership vs.
Operational Control

Legal ownership is not the same as operational control. Can a physician assistant own a medical spa? Yes, but they will still require physician supervision for medical services.

Alternatively, a PA might manage day-to-day operations without being the legal owner.

In Which States Can a PA Open Their Own Practice or Med Spa?

Rules for PA ownership and practice authority vary widely across the US. Some states do grant PAs greater independence to run clinics or med spas. But others maintain strict supervision requirements that limit business ownership and medical autonomy.

States Where PAs Have Independent Practice Rights

In which states can physician assistants have their own practice? Several states currently allow PAs to practice with optimal independence, including:

Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming
Utah
Iowa
New Hampshire

But note that in many states, physician collaboration for certain aesthetic procedures or business ownership may still be required.

Supervised vs. Independent Practice States

Most states require some level of physician involvement. This supervision might be either:

Direct and on-site
Available by phone or electronic consultation
Periodic review of patient car

Limitations by State Medical Boards

Even where laws seem permissive, state medical boards may impose additional restrictions through regulations or interpretive guidance. Always consult your state’s medical board for current requirements.

Can a PA Open Their Own Practice?

It’s a question that extends beyond med spas and into broader healthcare settings.

States follow different approaches when it comes to balancing clinical autonomy with legal restrictions. You have to know these clinical and business requirements if you want to open your own practice as a PA.

Practice Ownership vs. Clinical Practice Autonomy

Can PAs open their own practice? The answer varies by state and practice type. Some states explicitly prohibit nonphysicians from owning medical practices, while others allow it with specific safeguards.

Clinical autonomy—your ability to make independent medical decisions—is separate from business ownership rights.

Requirements to Start a PA-Owned Clinic

Can PAs open their own clinic? Yes, in states that allow PA practice ownership. Here are the requirements:

Valid PA license and certifications
Collaborative physician agreement (if required)
Business entity formation (LLC, corporation, etc.)
Medical malpractice insurance
Local business licenses and permits

Can a PA Open Their Own Practice in Texas?

Texas law is particularly restrictive. PAs cannot independently own medical practices or med spas. But they can still work in med spas owned by physicians or participate in management service organization (MSO) arrangements.

Can a Physician Assistant Own a Medical Spa?

PAs can sometimes own a medical spa. But they can only do so with specific business structures and with physician oversight. Still, ownership of the business is one thing. Providing medical services independently is another. That’s because most states have their own restrictions.

Direct Ownership vs. Collaborative Agreements

Can a physician assistant own a medical spa? In states that allow it, PAs can own the business entity as long as there is physician oversight. This might involve:

Common Business Structures for PAs in Aesthetic Medicine

PAs often use these structures to operate med spas legally:

Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC): It allows license holders to own med spas in some states.
Management Service Organization (MSO): The PA handles the business operations, but a physician must legally own the practice.
Partnership with physicians: Shared ownership ensuring compliance with medical practice laws.

Physician Supervision: When and Where It's Required

Most states require physician collaboration in med spas, even if the PA owns the business. This involves the following:

Opening a PA-Owned Clinic or Med Spa: Step-by-Step

If your state allows PA ownership of medical facilities, follow these steps:

Business Registration and Licensing

Medical Director and Supervisory Agreements

If required, collaborate properly with physicians. Your agreement should clearly outline:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a physician assistant legally own a med spa?

It depends on your state’s laws. Some states let PAs own medical businesses with proper physician oversight, while others prohibit non-physician ownership entirely. Even where allowed, you’ll typically need collaborative agreements with physicians and must comply with medical practice regulations.

What states allow PAs to practice independently or open a clinic?

States like Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah offer greater PA independence. But these states may have extra requirements for med spa ownership. Always verify current regulations with your state medical board before proceeding.

Can a PA open a med spa in Texas?

No, Texas law prohibits PAs from independently owning medical practices or med spas. Still, PAs can work in physician-owned med spas or participate in management service organization arrangements where they handle business operations while physicians maintain medical practice ownership.

Can a PA Open a Med Spa? A State-by-State Guide for Physician Assistants