In 2024, intravenous therapy (IV) brought in $2.1 billion in revenue in the U.S. Since the projected revenue is even higher over the next 10 years, opening an IV therapy clinic could be a lucrative endeavor. However, it's only possible to open a clinic – or add the treatment to an existing aesthetic business – if you meet certain licensing requirements.
Understanding licensing requirements might not be as simple as it seems since regulations around who can open an IV therapy clinic and who can administer IV therapy differ by state. Here’s everything you need to know about different IV therapy laws in all 50 states.
Who Can Open an IV Therapy Clinic
Like most regulations regarding IV therapy clinics, who can own a clinic differs from state to state. Usually, a licensed health professional must own a med spa or IV therapy clinic, including:
- Medical doctors
- Physician’s assistants (PAs)
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Nurse (usually need to be an RN, not an LPN or a nurse with a different license type)
Sometimes, a non-medical professional can be an owner or co-owner of an IV therapy clinic, though the percentage they are allowed to own varies across state lines.
Who Can Administer IV Therapy
The medical professionals who can administer IV therapy vary from state to state. Sometimes, these professionals must be supervised and other times, they can perform IV therapy unsupervised, depending on the state and the individual’s credentials.
In at least one state in the U.S., each of the following licensed healthcare professionals can administer IV therapy:
- Medical doctor
- Physician’s assistant
- Nurse practitioner
- Nurse (usually need to be an RN, not an LPN or a nurse with a different license type)
- Medical assistant
IV Therapy Laws in All 50 States
The requirements to open an IV therapy clinic and administer IV therapy depend on your state. To determine if you meet your state’s regulations, refer to the information below.
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas| California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Alabama
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Alabama, IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone, but licensed medical professionals must perform services. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
A physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife must examine a patient before starting treatment in Alabama. Afterward, a licensed medical professional can administer IV therapy in Alabama. |
Alaska
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone in Alaska. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Alaska, licensed medical professionals can administer IV therapy to patients. Medical assistants and unlicensed professionals are not allowed to administer treatment. |
Arizona
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Arizona, IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
Only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy in Arizona. |
Arkansas
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed doctors in Arkansas. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Arkansas, any licensed medical professional, including a medical assistant, can administer IV therapy to patients. |
California
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In California, 51% or more of an IV therapy clinic must be owned by a licensed physician. Other healthcare providers can own up to 49% of an IV therapy clinic. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
Only licensed medical professionals can administer IV therapy in California; e.g., an RN under the supervision of a physician, PA, or NP. |
Colorado
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned fully or partially by a licensed physician in Colorado. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Colorado, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
Connecticut
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Connecticut, IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed medical professionals, such as a physician or RN with specialized training in IV therapy. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals can administer IV therapy to patients in Connecticut. That state does not permit medical assistants and unlicensed professionals to administer treatment. |
Delaware
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone in Delaware. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Delaware, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
Florida
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Florida, anyone can own an IV therapy clinic, but a licensed physician must be the medical director. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals can administer IV therapy in Florida. The state doesn’t permit medical assistants and unlicensed professionals to administer treatment. |
Georgia
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed medical professionals in Georgia. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Georgia, only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants and LPNs with proper supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
Hawaii
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Hawaii, the primary owner of an IV therapy clinic should be a physician, though others may co-own a clinic. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy in Hawaii. |
Idaho
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
DIV therapy clinics in Idaho must be fully or partially owned by state-licensed physicians. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Idaho, only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from doctors, can administer IV therapy. |
Illinois
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Illinois, IV therapy clinics must be owned by physicians or NPs. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with proper supervision, can administer IV therapy in Illinois. |
Indiana
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics in Indiana must be partially or fully owned by state-licensed physicians. Other licensed medical professionals may be partial owners. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Indiana, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
Iowa
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Iowa, licensed physicians must partially or fully own an IV therapy clinic. Other medical professionals may be able to co-own a clinic with a physician. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy in Iowa. |
Kansas
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed physicians in Kansas. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Kansas, only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy. |
Kentucky
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Kentucky, IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed physicians or NPs. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy in Kansas. |
Louisiana
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed medical professionals in Louisiana. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Louisiana, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with specialized training in IV administration, can deliver IV therapy. |
Maine
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Maine, anyone can own an IV therapy clinic. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with proper supervision, can administer IV therapy in Maine. |
Maryland
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by physicians, NPs, or PAs in Maryland. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Maryland, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with specialized training in IV administration, can administer IV therapy. |
Massachusetts
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Massachusetts, anyone can own an IV therapy clinic, but owners must apply for a state license. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
Only licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy in Massachusetts. |
Michigan
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
Anyone can own an IV therapy clinic in Michigan, though there are certain procedures to follow when setting up a medical business. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Michigan, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy. |
Minnesota
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Minnesota, IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed physicians. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy in Minnesota. |
Mississippi
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone, so long as the owner sets up a PLLC. Only qualified medical professionals can be shareholders. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Mississippi, licensed medical professionals, including licensed medical assistants with proper supervision, can administer IV therapy. Unlicensed medical assistants and other unlicensed individuals cannot administer treatment. |
Missouri
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Missouri, IV therapy clinics must be partially or completely owned by a physician or physicians’ group. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with doctor supervision, can administer IV therapy in Missouri. |
Montana
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
An IV therapy clinic must be owned by a licensed physician or a NP with specialized training in Montana. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Montana, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy. |
Nebraska
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Nebraska, IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed physicians. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy in Nebraska. |
Nevada
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by physicians or NPs in Nevada. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Nevada, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with specialized training in IV administration, can deliver IV therapy. |
New Hampshire
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In New Hampshire, anyone can own an IV therapy clinic. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Any licensed medical professional, including a medical assistant with doctor supervision, can administer IV therapy in New Hampshire. |
New Jersey
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by a physician or physicians’ group in New Jersey. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In New Jersey, licensed medical professionals can administer IV therapy to patients. Unlicensed professionals, including medical assistants, are not allowed to administer treatment. |
New Mexico
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In New Mexico, anyone can own IV therapy clinics. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Any licensed medical professional, including a medical assistant with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy in New Mexico. |
New York
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by a physician or physicians’ group in New York. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In New York, doctors, RNs, NPs, and PAs can administer IV therapy to patients. LPNs can also do so under the guidance of a doctor. |
North Carolina
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In North Carolina, IV therapy clinics must be partially or fully owned by physicians. Other medical professionals can be co-owners. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with specialized training in IV administration, can administer IV therapy in North Carolina. |
North Dakota
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed physicians in North Dakota. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
In North Dakota, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with doctor supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
Ohio
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Ohio, IV therapy clinics must be owned by a state-licensed physician. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with doctor supervision, can administer IV therapy in Ohio. |
Oklahoma
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
Anyone can own an IV therapy clinic in Oklahoma. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Oklahoma, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
Oregon
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Oregon, IV therapy clinics must be owned by physicians, physicians’ groups, and nurse practitioners. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with doctor supervision, can administer IV therapy in Oregon. |
Pennsylvania
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed medical professionals in Pennsylvania. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Pennsylvania, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy. |
Rhode Island
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Rhode Island, IV therapy clinics must be owned by state-licensed physicians. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Any licensed medical professional, including a medical assistant with specialized training in IV administration, can provide IV treatments in Rhode Island. |
South Carolina
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone in South Carolina, so long as all legal regulations are followed. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In South Carolina, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy. |
South Dakota
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In South Dakota, IV therapy clinics must be owned by physicians. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Any licensed medical professional, including a medical assistant with supervision from a doctor, can administer IV therapy in South Dakota. |
Tennessee
|
Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by a physician or physicians’ group in Tennessee. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Tennessee, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy. |
Texas
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Texas, a physician can fully own an IV therapy clinic or co-own with other physicians or non-medical professionals, with the physician acting as the medical director. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals in Texas can administer IV therapy to patients. Medical assistants and unlicensed professionals are not allowed to administer treatment under Texas law. |
Utah
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
Anyone who meets state guidelines can own an IV therapy clinic in Utah. |
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Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Utah, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy. |
Vermont
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Vermont, IV therapy clinics must be owned by individuals who meet the state’s licensing requirements. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy in Vermont. |
Virginia
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
Anyone can own IV therapy clinics in Virginia, but a physician must be a co-owner or on staff. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Virginia, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with specialized training in IV therapy, can administer treatment. |
Washington
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Washington, IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed physicians and nurse practitioners. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with specialized training in IV therapy, can administer treatment in Washington. |
West Virginia
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed physicians or physicians’ groups in West Virginia. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In West Virginia, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with supervision from a physician, can administer IV therapy. |
Wisconsin
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
In Wisconsin, IV therapy clinics must be owned by licensed physicians. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
Licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with physician supervision, can administer IV therapy in Wisconsin. |
Wyoming
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Who can open an IV therapy clinic? |
IV therapy clinics can be owned by anyone in Wyoming, though the medical director must be a state-licensed physician. |
|
Who can administer IV therapy? |
In Wyoming, licensed medical professionals, including medical assistants with proper supervision, can administer IV therapy. |
State Enforcement for Corporate Practice of Medicine
Many states enforce the corporate practice of medicine, a legal regulation that stops corporations, entities, or non-physicians from practicing medicine. What acts fall under the corporate practice of medicine differs by state.
However, piercing the outermost layer of skin and/or exchanging fluids via IV therapy fall into corporate practice of medicine in most states. Since IV therapy falls under corporate practice of medicine, there are stricter requirements about who can administer this treatment.
In many states, ownership of IV clinics is impacted by the corporate practice of medicine too, meaning a certain ownership percentage of any practices delivering services must belong to a licensed physician. California, for example, requires 51% minimum ownership from a licensed physician. Other states, like Florida, don’t have this requirement.
Other Regulatory Guidance for IV Therapy
Corporate practice of medicine isn’t the only regulation that merits your attention. Regulations exist for various processes in an IV clinic, including guidelines on diagnostic exams, procedures to document provided services, and federal data privacy regulations (such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the 21st Century Cures Act, and others). Once you’ve established what’s required of your clinic regarding corporate practice of medicine, be sure you thoroughly research these additional regulations to avoid potential legal challenges in the future.
Diagnosis Must Be Provided
In all states, a licensed healthcare professional (who’s qualified to provide IV therapy in their state) must provide a good-faith exam before administering therapy. This exam checks that a patient is a good candidate. In some states, only a doctor or nurse practitioner can administer the good-faith exam, even if other licensed professionals can administer IV therapy.
Supervision and Documentation Requirements
In all states, an IV therapy clinic must document all procedures and appointments, as well as who performed them and if that person was supervised (when required by state law). To meet federal regulations, such as the Cures Act, it’s best to document appointments and procedures in a digital system that makes it easy to quickly and securely exchange information among care providers, such as a med-spa specific technology platform.
Consult Regulatory Experts
Laws and regulations can change at any time, making it crucial to work with an aesthetics technology provider and compliance expert who is on top of the laws in your state, as well as any federal regulations. Such a provider will offer experienced counsel, training, and resources, on top of a comprehensive system to document all appointments and clinic data.
Simplify Compliance with IV Therapy Regulations
Opening an IV therapy clinic is an incredible business opportunity, so long as you meet federal and state regulations. Unfortunately, those regulations can change at any time, and the many other responsibilities of establishing a successful clinic can make it difficult to keep up with those changes. Your clinic can consider additional resources so you don’t have to navigate complex and varying state laws alone. Nextech’s aesthetic-focused technology platform is backed by a team dedicated to monitoring legal changes to help ensure providers expanding into IV therapy maintain maximum compliance.
Request a demo to experience our technology firsthand and to discuss your goals for your IV therapy clinic.
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