Who Can Prescribe Peptides—and How to Structure Oversight
Peptides are prescription-only compounds that require appropriate medical licensure and compliance with state-specific scope of practice laws. This page outlines exactly who can prescribe, how clinics can structure provider relationships, and what ShineRx recommends for both in-person and telehealth models.
Whether you’re a solo provider, a clinic owner hiring your first MD, or building a multi-state telemedicine platform, this guide gives you the foundational clarity you need.
Who Can Prescribe Peptides?
Peptides must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority in the patient’s state of residence. Eligible roles include:
- Medical Doctors (MD) / Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP / APRN)
- Physician Assistants (PA / PA-C)
Depending on the state, additional requirements may apply—such as physician collaboration, supervision agreements, or DEA registration (if controlled substances are involved in the broader protocol).
What Is a Patient-Provider Relationship (PPR)?
Every peptide prescription must be supported by a documented PPR, which includes:
- A completed patient intake or symptom/lab review
- A real-time clinical consult (in-person or via HIPAA-compliant telehealth)
- A documented assessment, treatment plan, and consent
The PPR is required whether the peptide is compounded (503A/503B) or part of a larger stack with branded medications.
Common Provider Structures in Peptide Clinics
| Clinic Model | Who Prescribes | Notes |
| Owner is MD/NP/PA | Owner | Must be licensed in patient’s state; easiest model for startup clinics |
| Owner is Non-Provider | Contracted MD or NP | Requires legal agreements; provider must handle consults & prescribing |
| Multi-State Telehealth | Medical group model | Often structured with MDs in each state under one corporate umbrella |
| In-Person MedSpa with Delegation | Supervising MD/NP | RN/MA can administer injections; MD must supervise prescribing + protocols |
What You’re Responsible for as a Provider
Prescribing peptides means taking ownership of:
- Reviewing each patient’s intake for eligibility
- Creating or approving the peptide protocol
- Signing off on prescriptions (or delegating through approved protocols)
- Documenting the prescription, consent, and follow-up plan
- Monitoring outcomes, adjusting as needed
ShineRx offers protocol templates, educational support, and pharmacy documentation, but the prescribing provider is ultimately responsible for the patient’s clinical care and legal compliance.
Structuring Oversight in Your Clinic
If your clinic involves multiple staff or roles, you’ll need clear SOPs for:
- Delegation: What staff (RNs, MAs, injectors) are allowed to do under your license
- Protocol Approval: Which peptides or stacks can be used under standing orders
- Follow-up: Who is responsible for re-evaluating patients and adjusting protocols
- Consent: Who explains risks and documents informed consent
You should also review your malpractice policy to ensure peptide therapy is covered under your current scope.
How ShineRx Supports Provider Setup
- Provider onboarding guides for NPs, PAs, and MDs
- Protocol templates aligned with popular clinical goals
- Telehealth partner recommendations for multi-state expansion
- Sample standing orders and delegation language
- Supportive education and patient-facing materials
If you’re onboarding a new provider or need help structuring delegation, ShineRx can assist with setup consultations and resource sharing.
Best Practices for Sustainable Growth
- Use written protocols for consistency and scalability
- Keep clear delegation logs for all staff administering peptides
- Set up 30-, 60-, and 90-day patient check-ins for compliance and adjustments
- If prescribing in multiple states, centralize your oversight model and licensing roadmap
Having the right prescribing and clinical structure is what separates growth-ready clinics from risky, unscalable setups. ShineRx helps you build the former.
Next: Matching Peptides to Patient Profiles
Learn how to map common symptoms and goals to the peptide protocols that deliver real results.