The Nitty-Gritty of Licensing for a Ketamine Clinic
Hello, Healthcare Bosses! Today, we're diving into the world of licensing and permits necessary to open a ketamine infusion clinic. It's a bit like navigating a labyrinth, but don't worry, we're here to guide you through it.
Medical Licenses: The Usual Suspects
If you're considering opening a ketamine clinic, you're likely already a seasoned healthcare professional, so you're probably familiar with the basic licenses required. You'll need an active medical license in the state where you're opening your clinic, a National Provider Identifier (NPI), and a DEA license.
However, here's a hot take: you might need a new DEA license for your clinic location. Why? Because when ordering scheduled drugs, the address associated with your DEA licenses must match your clinic. So, depending on your current work situation, you might need to get a second DEA license associated with your clinic location.
Business Licenses: The Lesser-Known Players
Once you've incorporated or chosen a business entity, found a location, and opened a business bank account, you can start applying for the following:
A City business license: The requirements can vary from city to city, so check with your local city hall.
A Fictitious Name Permit (FNP) through your state’s medical board: You can skip this if you're practicing under your name, your professional corporation is your name, you're running a solo business, and all public communications are under your name.
A Fictitious business name or Doing Business As (DBA) for your county/city: Check with your city and county if this is required.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN): You're probably already familiar with this, but now you're obtaining one for your clinic.
Future Licensing Changes: A Peek into Utah's Crystal Ball
As of latest update in June 2023, most states lack laws specifically aimed at Ketamine clinics. However, Utah is breaking new ground with SB 197, also known as "Anesthesia Amendments." This law requires clinics using ketamine for non-anesthetic purposes to have at least one individual with advanced airway training and specialized knowledge on-site.
Here's our hot take: This law seems to strike a balance between ensuring advanced care and supporting accessibility by keeping costs down. It also highlights the increasing recognition of ketamine clinics and hints at potential future regulation. So, as the ketamine industry grows, so too may the scrutiny and potential additional licensing. Stay informed and be ready to adapt to the evolving landscape of ketamine infusion clinics.
Do Your Homework: Consult the Experts
Consulting with a business lawyer and accountant familiar with opening medical clinics is crucial. There's no standardization regarding opening medical clinics within a state, and there can even be variation amongst counties for business permit requirements. Let this blog post be your starting point for further research and preparation to talk with the professionals.
Ready to take the next step? Register for our free Ketamine Academy Masterclass. It's time to dive into the exciting world of IV ketamine therapy and make a difference in the lives of countless patients.