Who Can Own a Med Spa in Texas? A Quick Guide

Texas is one of the fastest-growing states for medical aesthetics, attracting a steady stream of new owners, investors, and operators seeking to understand who can own a med spa in Texas.

Many entrepreneurs assume that anyone can open a med spa, but Texas follows the Corporate Practice of Medicine rule. This rule separates medical decisions from business activities, which creates confusion for first-time owners.

The good news is that non-physicians can participate in ownership, revenue, and business operations—but only when the structure is set up correctly. Medical Director Co. helps owners navigate these rules by connecting them with physicians and providing guidance that keeps new clinics compliant as they grow.

This guide explains who can own a med spa in Texas, how the two-entity model works, where new owners make mistakes, and how to build a structure that supports safer operations, stronger profitability, and long-term growth.

Understanding Who Can Own a Med Spa in Texas

The answer to who can own a med spa in Texas depends on how the business is structured. Texas law does not allow non-physicians to own or control the medical side of a med spa, but it does allow non-physicians to own the business operations through a separate entity.

The Corporate Practice of Medicine Rule in Texas

Texas follows the Corporate Practice of Medicine rule, which limits who can control medical decisions and how clinical activities must be supervised. This rule applies to all medical practices, including med spas, and serves as the foundation for understanding who can own a med spa in Texas.

Under CPOM, medical judgment, diagnosis, and treatment oversight must remain with a licensed physician, which is why med spa procedures are legally viewed as medical services. The rule also explains why Texas separates medical ownership from business ownership. A non-physician may handle marketing, operations, or administration, but they cannot control medical choices or supervise clinical staff. 

How Non-Physicians Can Still Participate Legally

Even though medical services must be physician-controlled, Texas allows the popular two-entity model, which lets non-physicians own the business functions.

Here is how it works:

• The first entity, a physician-owned professional entity (PLLC or PA), provides all medical services.
• The second entity, a non-physician-owned MSO (Management Services Organization),
  provides business support services under contract.

This structure helps owners create a compliant business while still controlling branding, marketing, staffing, and general operations. The medical director, on the other hand, oversees the physician entity, approves protocols, and ensures the MSO structure does not cross clinical boundaries.

How the Two-Entity Model Works in Real Clinics

Many med spa startups face challenges because they launch without fully understanding how the two entities work together. Using the MSO structure correctly helps avoid mistakes and improve profitability.

What the Physician Entity Controls

Because physicians must control medical activity, the physician entity manages:

• All medical treatments and protocols
• Chart review and prescriptive oversight
• Supervision of injectors and laser operators
• Corrective action and complication management

These duties cannot be transferred outside the physician’s authority.

What the MSO Controls

The MSO handles business functions that support clinic operations. This is where non-physicians can participate in ownership and revenue.

In a compliant setup, an MSO typically manages:

• Marketing, branding, and advertising
• Scheduling and front desk support
• HR, payroll, and training coordination
• Lease agreements, equipment, and software
• Administrative policies and business planning

These activities do not involve medical judgment. When structured well, the MSO improves efficiency, supports growth, and strengthens profitability.

Common Mistakes New Texas Med Spa Owners Make

Many new owners misunderstand who can own a med spa in Texas, which creates preventable challenges early in the business lifecycle.

Using the Wrong Ownership Structure

Some clinics mistakenly form a single LLC for both business and medical services. This violates CPOM rules and can lead to penalties, insurance issues, and license risk for the supervising physician.

Allowing Operations to Influence Medical Decisions

Another common mistake occurs when an MSO oversteps and begins directing medical tasks. Even small decisions, like instructing staff on treatment steps or dosage ranges, can violate state rules.

A medical director clarifies boundaries, designs safe workflows, and ensures the clinic’s systems support growth without crossing regulatory lines.

Why Ownership Structure Influences Profitability, Marketing, and Growth

A compliant structure makes the business easier to scale. It also makes the clinic safer, more credible, and more attractive to investors or future partners.

Profitability Improves When Roles Are Clear

When each entity understands its responsibilities, clinics reduce liability, improve efficiency, and build predictable revenue systems. This clarity helps both new and established clinics grow without disruptions.

Marketing and Growth Benefit from Strong Compliance

Marketing claims, provider titles, and treatment descriptions must be accurate under Texas rules. A strong compliance structure supports high trust marketing, better ad performance, and patient confidence.

Growth becomes easier when the clinic’s foundation is sound.

How Medical Director Co. Supports Texas Med Spas

Owners who want to understand who can own a med spa in Texas often need guidance through the early setup. Medical Director Co. supports Texas med spas by providing licensed supervising physicians and clear compliance structures.

Our model includes:

• Accessible pricing with no placement fees
• Fast matching with qualified Texas medical directors
• Support for MSO structures
• Complimentary MSO templates
• No switching fees
• 24-hour placement in most cases

A medical director for med spa operations ensures your clinical systems and delegation models support safe growth.

Find a Texas Medical Director with Medical Director Co.

We match Texas med spas with licensed physicians and help owners set up the business legally and efficiently.

Areas We Serve: 

• Dallas
• Houston
• Austin
• Fort Worth
• San Antonio
• El Paso
• Arlington
• Sugar Land
• Frisco
• McKinney
• League City
• Irving
• Katy
• Carrollton
• Highland Park
• Westlake
• Southlake
• Plano
• Brownsville
• Tyler
• McAllen

Summary of Key Points

• Texas does not allow non-physicians to own the medical side of a med spa.
• Non-physicians can own an MSO and control business operations.
• The two-entity model keeps clinics compliant and profitable.
• Avoiding CPOM mistakes protects providers and owners.
• Strong medical direction supports growth, marketing, and safer operations.

Final Thoughts

Understanding who can own a med spa in Texas protects new owners from avoidable risks and helps them build a clinic that can grow with confidence.

Medical Director Co. supports Texas med spas with compliant structures, licensed physicians, and guidance that strengthens both safety and profitability.

Contact us to get started.

FAQs

Can a non-physician own a med spa in Texas?
Yes, but only through an MSO. The medical practice must still be physician-owned.

Can an RN or NP own a med spa in Texas?
They can own the MSO but not the medical entity.

Why does Texas restrict medical ownership?
Texas prohibits the Corporate Practice of Medicine to protect patients and keep medical decisions in the hands of licensed physicians.

What are the biggest challenges new med spa owners face?
Structuring entities correctly, avoiding CPOM mistakes, and ensuring marketing compliance are the most common challenges.

How can Medical Director Co. help?
Medical Director Co. matches clinics with supervising physicians and provides guidance that supports compliance, safety, and long-term growth.