Every Med Spa knows that compliance matters… but how enforcement works often feels like a gray area. Some states have strict oversight and frequent audits. Others appear quieter until a complaint is filed. The reality is that state enforcement is consistent in one way: once a violation is found, regulators act swiftly.
If you’re not sure how your state defines or enforces Good Faith Exam laws, start with Do Laws Around Good Faith Exams Differ by State.
Who Enforces Good Faith Exam Regulations
Each state’s enforcement framework is typically led by:
- State Medical Boards, which regulate physicians and determine what qualifies as the “practice of medicine.”
- State Nursing Boards, which oversee nurse practitioners and registered nurses working under medical delegation.
- Physician Assistant Boards , which handle PA licensure and supervision.
- Department of Health or Telehealth Oversight Agencies, which may issue telemedicine guidelines or audit compliance programs.
While these boards operate separately, they often share data. A single violation with one board can trigger reviews by others.
How Enforcement Typically Works
Enforcement actions often follow a predictable pattern:
- Complaint or Incident Report
Most investigations start with a patient complaint, a social media post, or a competitor report to the board. - Request for Records
The board asks for documentation showing a proper Good Faith Exam occurred before the procedure. If your records are incomplete, missing, or inconsistent, that’s the first red flag. - Investigation or Audit
Investigators review your delegation agreements, provider credentials, and communication logs. They also verify whether your Good Faith Exams were synchronous or asynchronous and whether your state allows that format. (See Can I Do Async, or Does My State Require Sync.) - Board Action
If non-compliance is confirmed, boards can issue fines, probation, license suspensions, or – in severe cases – revoke your ability to operate.
Common Enforcement Triggers
Most enforcement actions stem from the same avoidable issues:
- Performing procedures without a completed Good Faith Exam
- Allowing unlicensed staff to perform or delegate medical tasks
- Failing to document or retain exam records properly
- Using asynchronous exams in states that require synchronous video
- Delegating oversight to a Medical Director who isn’t actively involved
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties vary by state and violation severity but can include:
- Fines from $5,000 to $50,000 per infraction
- Cease and desist orders for unauthorized medical practice
- License suspension for the Medical Director or delegated provider
- Public reprimands, which can damage reputation and SEO authority
- Permanent record of violation, which can impact future licensing
For more details on consequences, see What Happens If I Don’t Perform a Good Faith Exam.
How Spakinect Prevents Enforcement Risk
Penalties vary by state and violation severity but can include:
- Fines from $5,000 to $50,000 per infraction
- Cease and desist orders for unauthorized medical practice
- License suspension for the Medical Director or delegated provider
- Public reprimands, which can damage reputation and SEO authority
- Permanent record of violation, which can impact future licensing
For more details on consequences, see What Happens If I Don’t Perform a Good Faith Exam.
FAQs: How States Enforce Good Faith Exam Regulations
How do states monitor Good Faith Exam compliance?
Most rely on audits, complaint investigations, and record reviews conducted by state medical or nursing boards.
What happens if a patient complains?
Boards request documentation. If your exam records are missing or incomplete, that alone can lead to fines or disciplinary action.
Can states share compliance data?
Yes. A violation with one state board can trigger reviews by other agencies or licensing bodies.
How can I avoid enforcement issues entirely?
Use a compliant telehealth partner like Spakinect. Our board-vetted processes and licensed providers ensure every Good Faith Exam meets your state’s requirements.
Does outsourcing to Spakinect help with audit preparation?
Yes. Every exam is documented, time-stamped, and stored securely in your client portal for instant access during audits.
Final Takeaway
When something goes wrong, your documentation and compliance practices determine how your Med Spa is judged.
With Spakinect, you don’t have to worry about gaps or guesswork. Our 31-second connection time, Medical Board–vetted systems, and licensed, well-trained W-2 providers ensure every exam meets the letter and spirit of the law, protecting your license and your brand reputation.
