Connecticut is one of the few states with a statute written specifically about medical spas, and it answers the two questions operators usually argue about.
Under CGS § 19a-903c, a med spa must employ or contract a physician, physician assistant or APRN who is licensed and actively practising in Connecticut, has training or experience in cosmetic procedures, and performs the initial in-person assessment. Note “employ or contract” — the statute does not require the med spa itself to be physician-owned.
What Connecticut actually requires
- A named provider — physician, PA or APRN — licensed and actively practising in Connecticut. An inactive or out-of-state licence does not satisfy it.
- Demonstrable training or experience in cosmetic procedures for that provider. General licensure is not the test.
- An initial in-person assessment performed by that provider. This is the clause that rules out a purely remote model for new patients.
- Recognition that only licensed persons may diagnose, treat or prescribe (CGS § 20-9).
- Where a professional corporation is used: under CGS § 33-182a it must be organised for the sole and specific purpose of rendering the professional service, with shareholders only individuals licensed to render that same service.
Who may do what in Connecticut
| Licence | What they may do |
|---|---|
| MD or DO | May be the named provider; may own the professional corporation |
| Physician assistant | May be the named provider under § 19a-903c |
| APRN | May be the named provider under § 19a-903c |
| Registered nurse | Within RN scope, under a valid order |
| Med spa entity | Not required by § 19a-903c to be physician-owned — it may employ or contract the provider |
| Professional corporation | Sole and specific purpose; shareholders licensed in the same service (§ 33-182a) |
The two provisions pull in different directions and both are true. The med spa itself need not be physician-owned; a professional corporation rendering medical services must have same-service licensed shareholders. Which one governs depends on the entity you actually use, which is exactly the question to settle first.
What MDside provides in Connecticut
- A Connecticut-licensed MD or DO as medical director, doing the work rather than lending a name.
- A named Connecticut provider who is actively practising in state and can genuinely perform initial in-person assessments at your volume.
- The professional entity and management agreement built to Connecticut rather than to a national template.
- Licensed physicians for the good faith exams behind prescriptions and injectables.
- 503A and 503B pharmacy relationships and lab draws.
See what is included, or book a call and tell us which states you operate in.
Read the detail on Connecticut
Frequently asked questions
Does a Connecticut med spa have to be physician-owned?
Not under § 19a-903c, which lets an establishment employ or contract the required provider. A professional corporation rendering medical services is a different question, governed by § 33-182a.
Who may be the named provider?
A physician, physician assistant or APRN who is licensed and actively practising in Connecticut and has training or experience in cosmetic procedures.
Can the initial assessment be done remotely?
The statute calls for an initial in-person assessment by that provider.
Who may hold shares in a Connecticut professional corporation?
Only individuals licensed or legally authorised to render the same professional service as the corporation.
General information about Connecticut practice structure and med spa regulation, not legal advice. Statutes, board rules and scope-of-practice requirements change. Confirm your obligations with healthcare counsel licensed in Connecticut.