Skipping a Good Faith Exam might seem like a shortcut when schedules are packed and patients are eager to start treatment. But in the world of medical aesthetics, that shortcut comes with serious consequences. That’s why it’s often referred to as the “silent killer” of med spas.
Good Faith Exams aren’t optional. They’re a legal requirement in nearly every state before performing any medical aesthetic procedure. Failing to complete one can expose your Med Spa to regulatory penalties, legal risk, and lasting damage to your reputation.
If you need a refresher on what a Good Faith Exam is and why it matters, start with What is a Good Faith Exam.
The Legal and Financial Consequences
Each state enforces Good Faith Exam laws differently, but the penalties for skipping one are remarkably consistent.
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Fines and Disciplinary Action
State medical and nursing boards can issue significant fines for each violation. Repeated offenses can trigger probationary orders or suspension of your professional license.
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Investigations and Audits
Missing or incomplete Good Faith Exam documentation is one of the most common triggers for board investigations. Regulators treat it as a sign of unsafe practice.
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Loss of Licensure or Delegation Authority
Providers who delegate Good Faith Exams improperly, or allow unqualified staff to perform them, can lose their license or face board review.
Legal Liability
If a patient experiences an adverse reaction and there is no documented exam on file, your practice may be held directly liable.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
The financial cost of non-compliance can be steep. Fines can range from $5,000 to $50,000 per incident, and in severe cases, board penalties may include suspension or revocation of medical delegation. But the greater cost is reputational. A single compliance breach can undermine years of patient trust and growth.
If you’d like to understand the real-world cost of compliance versus non-compliance, read How much does a Good Faith Exam cost.
Why Some Med Spas Still Skip the Exam
In most cases, it’s not willful neglect… it’s misunderstanding. Many Med Spas believe that once a patient has been treated before, they can skip another exam. Others assume that a consent form is enough. Both assumptions are wrong.
Every new patient must have a Good Faith Exam before treatment begins. And if an existing patient requests a different treatment type, a new exam is required. (See also: Is a Good Faith Exam required before every new type of treatment.)
How Spakinect Protects You from Risk
Spakinect was built to remove the barriers between compliance and efficiency.
- Patients connect with a licensed provider in an average of 31 seconds
- All documentation is securely stored in our client portal and integrated directly with your EMR
- Every provider is a W-2 employee, not a contractor, and receives over 40 hours of specialized training in medical aesthetics and state-specific law
- Our systems are backed by our legal team and vetted by Medical Boards, ensuring full compliance across every jurisdiction
- We currently operate in 40 states and counting, helping both single-location and multi-location Med Spas maintain consistent, compliant operations
You can view our full coverage map here: States We Service.
FAQs: The Risk of Skipping a Good Faith Exam
What happens if I don’t perform a Good Faith Exam?
Your Med Spa may face fines, investigations, or suspension of medical delegation privileges. It also increases malpractice exposure if a patient is harmed.
Can a consent form replace a Good Faith Exam?
No. Consent forms show patient understanding, not medical clearance. A licensed provider must evaluate the patient before treatment begins.
What if the patient has been treated before?
They still need a current Good Faith Exam, especially if they’re requesting a new type of treatment or their health has changed. (See also: Do I need a Good Faith Exam if I’ve had treatments before [link].)
Who is responsible if no exam was performed?
Both the provider and the Med Spa owner may be held accountable. (See also: Who is responsible if an approved Good Faith Exam is completed and there is an adverse reaction [link].)
How can I prevent compliance issues in the future?
Use a virtual partner like Spakinect. Our experienced team of W-2, highly trained, and licensed providers ensures every exam is compliant, documented, and ready for audit.
Final Takeaway
Skipping a Good Faith Exam might save a few minutes today, but it can cost your Med Spa far more tomorrow – in fines, investigations, and lost trust.
Compliance may not be the sexiest part of our jobs, but it’s the foundation of safe, ethical, and successful practice. With Spakinect, your Good Faith Exams are fast, compliant, and seamlessly integrated into your workflow, protecting your patients, your license, and your business.
