Legal Essentials for Opening a MedSpa
Featuring Attorney Shirin Adelman
& Business advisor Dori Soukup
Watch Now!
If you’re planning to open a medical spa—or already running one—there’s one vital thing you cannot afford to overlook: your legal foundation. In this interview of Meet the Expert, Dori Soukup sat down with Shirin Adelman, a legal powerhouse and partner at Lengea Law, to discuss how to legally protect and structure your medspa for success. you can either watch the interview on YouTube or you can read the following Blog summary.
Shirin has over 20 years advising healthcare professionals, medspa owners, and entrepreneurs across the country, ensuring their businesses are set up legally and compliantly
Dori is an author, global speaker and Founder of MedSpa Biz University, MD Business Advisor and the host of Meet the Experts Show.
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Why Legal Planning Is a
Non-Negotiable for MedSpas
Too often, entrepreneurs and medical professionals dive into the aesthetics industry without understanding the Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) laws in their state. CPOM determines who can legally own and operate a medspa—and in many states, it’s not just anyone with the capital.
For instance:
- In CPOM-restricted states, only licensed physicians or nurse practitioners with full practice authority can own the clinical side.
- Entrepreneurs and non-physicians can own a Management Services Organization (MSO) that controls branding, marketing, equipment, and operations.
Pro Tip:
CPOM, MSOs & Legal Ownership Models
If you’re not legally allowed to own the clinical side of a medspa in your state, don’t worry—there’s a solution.
What is an MSO?
An MSO (Management Services Organization) allows you to legally control and profit from the non-clinical aspects of your business. While the medical practice is owned by a qualified medical director, you own the MSO that manages:
- The brand and intellectual property
- The lease and equipment
- Marketing and team (excluding licensed providers)
Licenses, Good Faith Exams & Compliance 101
Beyond ownership, Shirin emphasized that compliance is not just a checklist—it’s a full legal strategy.
- Conduct Good Faith Exams (GFEs) – Required in almost all states before performing medical treatments (including IV therapy, Botox, etc.). Physicians, NPs, and PAs must complete these.
- Have Specific Consent Forms – Every treatment should have its own legal consent form. Don’t rely on one-size-fits-all.
- Ensure HIPAA & OSHA Compliance – From EMRs to advertising, maintain patient privacy across every channel.
Employment Agreements & Team Protections
Shirin strongly recommends every business have:
- Employment Agreements
- Non-solicitation and non-disparagement clauses
- Custom Employee Manuals
- Confidentiality Agreements
Trademarks, LLCs, and Business Setup Tips
Starting from scratch? Here’s what Shirin suggests:
- Form your LLC or S-Corp early – but let your legal team handle it to avoid costly do-overs.
- Trademark your name and logo – before you invest in branding. You can start with state-level, then move to federal for wider protection.
- Work with a medspa-specific attorney – General lawyers don’t know CPOM, MSOs, or aesthetic regulations like niche firms do.
Avoiding the Million-Dollar Mistake
Many entrepreneurs overspend on lasers and luxury build-out, but forget to invest in legal advice, marketing systems, and team training. That’s why business coaching and legal consulting go hand-in-hand for sustainable growth.
Final Words of Wisdom from Shirin & Dori
- Do not DIY your legal structure.
- Never open a medspa without legal consultation.
- Avoid unnecessary risk. Plan, protect, and profit.
- Never open without a Business Advisor
Want to Start?
Next Steps for MedSpa Professionals
Get Your Complimentary Legal Consultation
Visit LengeaLaw.com to schedule a free call with Shirin’s team and learn how to structure your business the right way.
Get the Tools for MedSpa Success
Claim your complimentary copy of Dori Soukup’s books:
Reserve your Business Planning Session with an MD Business advisor:
Schedule Your Session Here