West Virginia’s corporate practice rule is not a prohibition so much as a permission system, and the difference matters.
Under W. Va. Code § 30-3-15, it is unlawful for any corporation to practise or offer to practise medicine, surgery or podiatric medicine without obtaining a certificate of authorization from the West Virginia Board of Medicine. Med spa ownership is accordingly limited to MDs and DOs in practice, with a designated physician medical director mandatory.
What West Virginia actually requires
- A designated medical director who is a licensed physician, responsible for overseeing all medical services provided at the clinic.
- A clear answer on whether your corporate entity requires a certificate of authorization from the Board of Medicine — a question most operators have never been asked, because most states do not have this mechanism.
- A structure in which non-physicians do not control clinical decision-making, notwithstanding that MSO arrangements are more straightforward here than in the strictest states.
- Written protocols and documented delegation for each service offered.
- Confirmation with West Virginia counsel before assuming the certificate does or does not apply to your model.
Who may do what in West Virginia
| Licence | What they may do |
|---|---|
| MD or DO | Independent; the medical director and, in practice, the owner of the medical entity |
| Nurse practitioner / PA | Within scope, under the applicable arrangement |
| Registered nurse | Within RN scope, under a valid order |
| Corporation | May not practise or offer to practise medicine without a certificate of authorization |
| Non-licensee | Through a management services organisation |
The certificate of authorization is the detail to act on. It converts “can a corporation do this?” from a doctrinal argument into an administrative question with an answer, which is genuinely better — provided you ask it.
What MDside provides in West Virginia
- A West Virginia-licensed MD or DO as medical director, doing the work rather than lending a name.
- A direct answer on the certificate of authorization question for your entity, before it becomes a diligence finding.
- The professional entity and management agreement built to West Virginia 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 West Virginia
Frequently asked questions
Can a corporation practise medicine in West Virginia?
Not without obtaining a certificate of authorization from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, under W. Va. Code § 30-3-15.
Who may own a med spa in West Virginia?
In practice ownership is limited to MDs and DOs, with non-physicians participating through a management services organisation.
Is a medical director required?
Yes, a designated licensed physician responsible for overseeing all medical services provided at the clinic.
General information about West Virginia 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 West Virginia.