Under a legal doctrine known as the “corporate practice of medicine,” only a doctor or a corporation owned by a doctor can own a medical facility. In addition, only physicians or corporations owned by physicians can collect patient fees for the provision of medical services. Can a nurse practitioner own a medical spa in Georgia? Only doctors can own medical spas. While a physician assistant may own minority shares in a medical spa or serve as a minority partner of a doctor or doctors, other healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners and non-medical professionals, cannot do so.
It is important to note that the corporate practice of medicine doctrine is not limited to medical spas. It applies to all medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This means that only doctors or corporations owned by doctors can own and operate these facilities. The corporate practice of medicine doctrine is designed to protect patients from receiving substandard care from non-physicians.
It also ensures that physicians are held accountable for the quality of care they provide. As such, it is important for those considering opening a medical spa in Georgia to understand the legal implications of this doctrine.
