As of May 2025, Oklahoma's regulatory landscape for medical spas - also known as med spas - is evolving, with recent legislative actions and professional guidelines aiming to enhance patient safety and clarify operational standards. Oklahoma does not currently mandate state permits specifically for med spas to operate.
However, the Oklahoma Health Spa Act requires health spas to register with the state, involving a $500 fee and a potential bond if certain financial conditions are met. Thisregistrationprocessmay apply to med spas, depending ontheirservicesandbusiness model.
While ownership of med spas in Oklahoma is not restricted to licensed physicians, any medical procedures must be performed by qualified healthcare professionals. TheOklahomaMedical Board and the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners have issued guidelines recommending that a licensed medical professional conduct an initial evaluation with med spa patients, in line with state laws requiring providers to establish patient relationships prior to treatment.
Effective November 1, 2024, Oklahoma enacted House Bill 2998, known as the Laser Hair Removal Act, introducing specific regulations for laser hair removal procedures, Only individuals with appropriate health professional licenses or certifications are authorized to perform laser hair removal.
Non-physician practitioners must complete a 40-hour training program, encompassing classroom instruction, hands-on training and supervised procedures. Also, each facility offering laser hair removal must be overseen by a licensed physician. However, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are exempt from this oversight requirement and may independently manage procedures.
This legislation aims to enhance patient safety by ensuring that laser hair removal procedures are conducted by properly trained and qualified professionals. The Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners has provided guidance emphasizing that Doctors of Osteopathy involved in med spas must adhere to all relevant rules and regulations.
Improper supervision or involvement in med spa operations can jeopardize their medical licenses. Additionally, med spas must comply with federal regulations, including OSHA safety standards and HIPAA requirements, to protect patient data and ensure a safe environment for both clients and staff.
The evolving regulatory environment in Oklahoma underscores the importance for med spa operators to stay informed and compliant with state and federal laws. Key considerations include verifying that all medical procedures are performed by appropriately licensed professionals, ensuring nonphysician practitioners complete mandated training programs, particularly for procedures like laser hair removal, establishing oversight by licensed physicians where required, and understand exemptions applicable to certain practitioners like APRNs, and implement protocols to meet OSHA and HIPAA standards, safeguarding both patient information and workplace safety. By proactively addressing these areas, med spa operators can navigate the regulatory landscape effectively, ensuring both legal compliance and the provision of safe, high-quality services to clients.
With the boom of med spas, rehydration IVs have also become popular. Not just anybody can administer the IVs.InOklahoma,IVtherapy in med spas requires what is called good faith evaluation (GFE). A GFE is a comprehensive medical assessment conducted before administering any treatment, including IV therapy, ensuring the treatment is safe and suitable for the patient. Only a licensed medical professional can the GFE. Licensed medical professionals can administer IV therapy. Medical assistants can perform them under a physician’s supervision.