What Is a Good Faith Exam in Medical Aesthetics?

At a Glance

• A Good Faith Exam is a pre-treatment clinical assessment to confirm whether a treatment is appropriate.
• Whether it is required — and who may perform it — varies by state and treatment.
• It is a clinical step, not a formality or paperwork checkpoint.
• Documentation of the exam supports continuity of care and compliance.
• Common mistakes include skipping the exam, using the wrong provider, or inadequate documentation.

General Definition

A Good Faith Exam (sometimes called a Good Faith Examination) is a pre-treatment clinical assessment performed to evaluate whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for a proposed treatment. The exam may include:

• Patient history
• Skin or facial assessment
• Discussion of goals and contraindications
• A clinical decision about whether to proceed

The exam is distinct from intake paperwork alone. It requires clinical judgment by a provider authorized to perform that assessment under the state's rules.

Why It May Be Required

Good Faith Exams may be required because aesthetic treatments — particularly those involving prescription products or delegated clinical acts — are medical procedures. The exam helps ensure:

• The treatment is appropriate for the patient
• Contraindications are identified
• The patient understands the treatment and risks
• The delegation chain is clinically supported

Who May Perform It

Who may perform a Good Faith Exam depends on the state. In some states, only a physician, NP, or PA may perform it; in others, an RN may perform it under delegation. Confirm the requirements in your state. See State Requirements.

Timing

The exam is typically performed before the first treatment. For repeat treatments, some states require periodic re-evaluation. The specific timing requirements vary.

New Patients

For new patients, a Good Faith Exam is typically the first clinical step after intake. It establishes the clinical basis for treatment and the delegation chain.

Repeat Treatments

For repeat treatments, whether a new exam is required depends on:

• The state's rules
• The time since the last exam
• Whether the treatment or patient condition has changed

Do not assume a single exam covers all future treatments indefinitely.

Telehealth Considerations

Some states permit telehealth Good Faith Exams; others require an in-person exam. The rules for telehealth in aesthetic practice are evolving. Confirm whether telehealth exams are permitted for the treatments you offer.

Documentation

Documentation of the exam should include:

• Date and time
• Provider who performed the exam
• Assessment findings
• Treatment decision
• Any conditions or follow-up
• Clinical basis for proceeding

State Variation

Good Faith Exam requirements vary significantly:

• Some states require it before certain treatments
• Some specify who may perform it
• Some specify the content and depth
• Some do not require it at all for certain treatments

Confirm the requirements in your state with official sources.

Common Workflow Mistakes

• Skipping the exam — treating without the required assessment
• Using the wrong provider — having an unqualified provider perform the exam
• Inadequate documentation — not recording the exam, the provider, or the findings
• Treating it as a formality — not performing a genuine clinical assessment
• Not re-evaluating — assuming one exam covers all future treatments
• Telehealth without confirmation — using telehealth without confirming it is permitted

What Providers Should Verify

• Whether your state requires a Good Faith Exam for the treatments you offer
• Who may perform the exam in your state
• What documentation is expected
• Whether telehealth exams are permitted
• How often re-evaluation is required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Good Faith Exam required in every state? No. Requirements vary by state and treatment. Confirm with your state's rules.

Can an RN perform a Good Faith Exam? It depends on the state. Some states permit RNs to perform the exam under delegation; others require a physician, NP, or PA. Confirm with your nursing board.

Does a Good Faith Exam need to be in person? Some states permit telehealth exams; others require in-person. Confirm the rules for your state and treatments.

How often does the exam need to be repeated? It depends on the state and whether the treatment or patient condition has changed. Do not assume a single exam covers all future treatments.