Rhode Island has become the latest state to pass legislation specifically targeting the operation of medical spas. Titled ‘Medical Aesthetic Practices Safety Act’ and signed into law on June 30, 2025, Senate Bill 976 and House Bill 5351 introduces clear definitions, provider requirements, and patient safeguards for medical aesthetic practices. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026, giving med spa owners and providers just a few months to prepare.
If you operate a med spa in Rhode Island—or are considering expanding into the state—here’s what you need to know.
Clear Definitions: What Counts as a Med Spa?
The new law defines a medical spa as any facility that offers cosmetic medical procedures, such as:
- Botox and other neuromodulator injections
- Dermal fillers
- Laser treatments
- Hair restoration
- Fat reduction or body contouring
To fall under this definition, these services must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant (PA), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Supervision and Staffing Requirements
One of the most significant changes under the new law is the requirement for appropriate clinical supervision. Med spas must have a qualified medical professional—either a physician, PA, or APRN—on-site or available via telemedicine to provide oversight. This includes:
- Reviewing patient charts
- Establishing treatment protocols
- Supervising staff who administer treatments
This provision is especially important for practices that rely on registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or aestheticians to deliver services. Those providers must now work under documented supervision.
Informed Consent and Patient Safety
The law also prioritizes informed consent and patient protection. Before performing any procedure, med spas must:
- Clearly explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Obtain written informed consent
- Ensure patients understand who will be performing the procedure and under what supervision
Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to disciplinary action or legal consequences.
Enforcement and Oversight
The Rhode Island Department of Health has the authority to investigate med spa operations, review documentation, and take disciplinary action if clinics fail to follow the law. As of now, there is no separate licensure requirement for med spas, but this legislation sets the groundwork for future enforcement.
What Med Spa Owners Should Do Now
With a January 2026 effective date, med spa owners and operators in Rhode Island should begin preparing immediately. Key steps include:
- Reviewing staffing models and supervision structures
- Updating treatment protocols and informed consent forms
- Training staff on compliance with the new law
- Consulting legal or compliance experts familiar with state-specific regulations
EMR systems like OptiMantra can also help streamline compliance by supporting consent form storage, clinical documentation, and provider delegation workflows.
Why This Matters Beyond Rhode Island
This legislation reflects a growing national trend toward tighter regulation of the medical aesthetics industry. States such as California, Texas, and Illinois have also introduced or updated laws to clarify who can perform cosmetic procedures and under what conditions.
Whether you operate in Rhode Island or elsewhere, staying ahead of these legal shifts is essential to protect your license—and your patients.
Source: American Med Spa Association
