How to Open a Med Spa in Texas: Legal Checklist
How to Open a Med Spa in Texas
Thinking about launching a med spa in Texas? You’re not alone! Texas is one of the most opportunity-rich states in the country for aesthetic businesses. But before you pick a paint color or order your laser, you’ll need to navigate some key legal, licensing, and operational steps.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch a compliant, profitable med spa in the Lone Star State.
1. Understand the Legal Structure: Who Can Own a Med Spa in Texas?
In Texas, medical spas are considered medical practices. That means they must be owned by licensed physicians or structured using a compliant workaround, such as an MSO (Management Services Organization).
If you’re a nurse, aesthetician, or business entrepreneur, this doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. It just means you’ll need to:
Partner with a Medical Director (MD or DO)
Establish a dual-entity structure where the physician owns the clinical entity and you own the management side.
Draft clear contracts outlining responsibilities, liabilities, and compensation.
2. Secure a Collaborating Physician or Medical Director
Your medical director doesn’t need to be on-site every day, but they must be actively involved in clinical oversight.
Choose a medical director who:
Understands aesthetic procedures
Is comfortable delegating treatments under Texas law
Is willing to sign off on protocols and training
3. Determine the Scope of Services You’ll Offer
In Texas, even services like Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling with PRP, and IV hydration are considered medical treatments. That means:
They must be ordered or delegated by a licensed provider
Only licensed professionals can perform them
Medical oversight and documentation are required
Create a treatment menu that’s both legally compliant and financially viable. Start small, then expand.
4. Register Your Business + Get Compliant
Your med spa will need the following registrations:
Texas Secretary of State: for your LLC or legal entity
Texas Medical Board registration (if applicable)
Federal EIN and Texas State Tax ID
Commercial liability and med spa-specific insurance
Also consider:
HIPAA-compliant client intake and EMR software
OSHA and CLIA compliance (if doing lab work or blood draws)
Infection control protocols
5. Find the Right Space
Texas allows flexibility in location, but you’ll need zoning approval for medical use. Look for:
High-visibility shopping centers or medical plazas
Proximity to affluent zip codes
Space for reception, treatment rooms, storage, and consultation areas
ADA compliance and proper plumbing for sanitation
6. Develop a Business Plan and Financial Forecast
Before launching, you’ll need a clear financial picture. Your business plan should include:
Startup costs (equipment, buildout, licensing, branding)
Operating costs (rent, payroll, marketing, supplies)
Revenue projections based on treatment pricing and expected volume
Break-even analysis and investor/SBA loan readiness
Need help building a professional, SBA-ready medspa business plan? Learn More
7. Build Your Brand and Marketing Engine
The Texas med spa scene is growing fast, which means your brand needs to stand out.
Create:
A strong name and logo
A compelling visual identity
A content-rich website with SEO optimization
A marketing strategy including social media, Meta Ads, CRM follow-ups, and strategic partnerships
8. Hire and Train a Rockstar Team
In Texas, licensed professionals, such as RNs, NPs, and aestheticians, can perform treatments delegated by a physician. Hire staff who are:
Licensed in their field
Trained in the specific treatments you offer
Friendly, sales-minded, and aligned with your spa’s brand
Develop SOPs, consent forms, and training protocols before launch.
9. Plan a Launch That Gets You Booked
Pre-launch buzz matters. Build a 90-day launch timeline that includes:
Founding membership offers
Local influencer sneak peeks
Open house events
Social media countdowns
Newsletter campaigns and giveaways
Your opening isn’t just a day—it’s a strategy.
Need Help Launching?
We help aspiring med spa owners in Texas build beautiful, compliant, scalable businesses—from concept to clinic doors open.
