Red Flags with Elissa

Who Makes Decisions for You If You Can’t? Planning for Incapacity and Emergencies

Episode Summary
In this episode of Red Flags with Elissa, Elissa Brewster explains why incapacity planning is just as important as traditional estate planning. She breaks down the role of medical and financial powers of attorney, what happens if no documents are in place, and how families can avoid painful court battles. Elissa also shares practical advice on guardianship, protecting loved ones with special needs, and choosing the right person to make critical decisions when you cannot.
Key Timestamps
 
01:20 – Why planning for incapacity matters04:50 – Advanced directives and removing the burden from loved ones06:15 – Difference between medical and financial power of attorney08:30 – What happens if someone has no documents in place10:10 – Guardianship concerns and protecting children with special needs12:40 – Choosing the right person as your power of attorney13:45 – Avoiding financial abuse and misuse of authority15:00 – Why estate planning documents should be reviewed and updated 
16:00 – The first step if you’re just starting your estate plan
 
About the Show
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast dedicated to helping families spot the warning signs that can create stress, conflict, and costly mistakes when it comes to estate planning. Host Elissa Brewster, an experienced attorney, breaks down wills, trusts, probate, and family dynamics into clear, practical conversations. Each episode highlights the “red flags” to watch for—and the proactive steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your legacy.

Introduction to Estate Planning: Why Every Family Needs a Legal Blueprint

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Elissa Brewster introduces estate planning and explains why it’s essential for every family, not just the wealthy. She breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the risks of leaving assets unplanned, and shares how trusts, wills, and smart preparation can protect your loved ones from stress, conflict, and unnecessary legal battles.
Key Timestamps: 01:20 – Why Elissa expanded her practice into estate planning 03:00 – What estate planning really means (beyond the wealthy) 05:00 – Risks of not having a clear plan in place 07:20 – Misconceptions about wills, trusts, and “Google” research 09:30 – Real-life conflicts families face without planning 11:15 – How remarriages and blended families complicate inheritance 13:40 – Why trusts reduce burdens for grieving families 15:10 – Estate planning as a legacy for future generations 17:30 – How Elissa helps families create personalized plans 20:00 – The very first step to start estate planning
 
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast dedicated to helping families spot the warning signs that can create stress, conflict, and costly mistakes when it comes to estate planning. Host Elissa Brewster, an experienced attorney, breaks down wills, trusts, probate, and family dynamics into clear, practical conversations. Each episode highlights the “red flags” to watch for—and the proactive steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your legacy.

Medical Directors in Med Spas: Legal Must-Knows for Owners and Providers

Episode Description:
Medical directors play a pivotal role in the safe and compliant operation of med spas, but what does the law actually require, and where are the risks? In this episode, Attorney Elissa Brewster breaks down the essentials every med spa owner, provider, and physician should understand about medical directorships. From qualifications and contracts to liability protections and red flags, Elissa shares practical, no-nonsense legal guidance to help protect both the business and its professionals.
Key Timestamps:
1:45 – The legal role of a medical director in Texas and why only MDs/DOs qualify4:30 – Why vague medical director agreements are dangerous — and how to structure them properly7:15 – Fair market value for medical directorships (and why paying $10,000/month could be a red flag)10:00 – Liability considerations: when physicians can be personally responsible12:40 – Key components of a strong medical director agreement15:20 – Why every hat a physician wears needs its own contract18:00 – The risks of “figurehead” medical directors vs. engaged directors20:15 – Elissa’s top legal advice for physicians and med spa owners before signing an agreement
About the Show:
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast that explores the intricate world of med spa law. Host Zofia Morales and managing attorney Elissa Brewster provide expert insights and practical advice for med spa owners and professionals navigating the intersection of healthcare and beauty industries.
Resources and Links:
Learn more about Attorney Elissa Brewster: brewsterlawtx.com
Follow the podcast for more insights on med spa law

Legal Landmines: What Happens When You Don’t Set Up Your Med Spa Correctly

Episode Summary
In this Episode of Red Flags with Elissa Brewster, attorney Elissa Brewster explores the critical legal risks medical spa owners face when their businesses are not properly structured. From the misconception that having a medical director is enough, to the dangers of unqualified individuals performing medical procedures, Elissa breaks down the most common mistakes med spa owners make.
She also explains the civil and criminal consequences of noncompliance, how state boards investigate, and why every med spa must work with a knowledgeable health care attorney. Whether you’re starting a new med spa or already operating one, this episode highlights the legal red flags you cannot afford to ignore.
Key Timestamps
1:00 – Common misconceptions when starting a med spa
3:20 – Risks of unqualified practitioners
6:10 – Criminal and civil penalties
8:30 – Real-world examples
11:15 – State oversight and investigations
14:00 – Importance of operating agreements
17:40 – Consequences of violations
20:00 – Steps to mitigate risk
23:15 – Final advice for med spa owners
About the Show:
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast that explores the intricate world of med spa law. Host Zofia Morales and managing attorney Elissa Brewster provide expert insights and practical advice for med spa owners and professionals navigating the intersection of healthcare and beauty industries.

LLC or PC? Legal Structures and Smart Starts for Med Spa Owners

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Zofia Morales and managing attorney Elissa Brewster discuss the crucial legal considerations for starting and operating a med spa. The conversation covers various business structures (LLC vs. PC), foundational documents, common mistakes, and essential first steps for aspiring med spa owners.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:53 - Guest Introduction
01:05 - Legal Business Structures for Med Spas (LLC vs. PC/PLLC)
02:36 - Impact of Medical and Cosmetic Services on Business Structure
05:15 - Pros and Cons of LLC vs. PC
07:35 - Essential Foundational Documents
13:41 - Common Mistakes of New Med Spa Owners
16:03 - Key Advice Before Starting Operations
18:08 - First Steps for Aspiring Med Spa Owners
 
About the Show:
"Red Flags with Elissa" is a podcast that explores the intricate world of med spa law. Host Zofia Morales and managing attorney Elissa Brewster provide expert insights and practical advice for med spa owners and professionals navigating the intersection of healthcare and beauty industries.

Entrepreneurship Meets Law: Legal Essentials for Wellness & Aesthetic Business Owners

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode, host Zofia Morales and managing attorney Elissa Brewster discuss crucial legal considerations for medical spa operations. The conversation covers regulatory compliance, ownership structures, common legal pitfalls, and the importance of specialized healthcare legal counsel in the med spa industry.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
01:10 - Industry changes and importance of proper medical oversight
04:55 - Explanation of MSO (Management Service Organization) structure
06:22 - Common legal mistakes and importance of healthcare-specific attorneys
08:25 - Licensing risks and regulatory penalties
11:12 - State-by-state scope of practice variations
13:43 - Recent regulatory changes affecting med spas
16:44 - Healthcare law expertise and team credentials
18:17 - Legal blind spots in med spa operations
 
About the Show:
“Red Flags with Elissa” is a podcast focused on navigating the complex legal landscape of medical spas and aesthetic businesses. Host Zofia Morales and managing attorney Elissa Brewster provide expert insights and practical advice for wellness and aesthetic business owners.

Travel Nursing Unlocked: Legal Insights for Success

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Zofia Morales and legal expert Elissa Brewster discuss crucial legal considerations for travel nursing agencies. The conversation covers essential topics including agency ownership, liability protection, multi-state compliance, and key steps for starting a successful travel nursing business.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
02:25 - Clarification on nursing agency insurance contracts
03:24 - Compliance and regulations for travel nurses
06:29 - Legal considerations for agency owners regarding liability
08:22 - Managing multi-state jurisdictions and compliance
10:03 - Insurance and protection requirements
11:16 - Top three legal steps before launching a nursing agency:
        - Professional LLC formation
        - Operating agreement implementation
        - Foundational contract development
 
About the Show:
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast featuring legal expert Elissa Brewster, who provides valuable insights and guidance on healthcare business law. The show helps healthcare professionals navigate legal complexities and avoid potential pitfalls in their business ventures.

Behind the Medical Spa Numbers: How Physician Ownership Shapes the Revenue Game

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Zofia Morales and healthcare attorney Elissa Brewster dive deep into the complex world of medical spa ownership, focusing on physician ownership requirements and revenue structures in Texas. The discussion covers legal requirements, common misconceptions, and practical advice for structuring medical spa partnerships between physicians and non-physicians.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
00:46 - Explanation of corporate practice of medicine doctrine
01:48 - Understanding the 51% physician ownership requirement
03:33 - Revenue splitting vs. ownership percentage
05:24 - Common misunderstandings about physician ownership
08:52 - Importance of working with healthcare attorneys
10:18 - Compliance and patient safety considerations
12:58 - Financial structure and MSO explanation
16:22 - Telemedicine and patient examination requirements
17:17 - Advice for physicians considering medical spa partnerships
 
About the Show:
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast that explores important legal and business considerations in the healthcare industry. Host Sophia Morales and expert guest Elissa Brewster provide valuable insights and practical advice for healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs.

Unlocking the Power of MSOs: The Secret to Thriving Medical Spas

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode, host Abigail Vaca and managing attorney Elissa Brewster dive deep into Medical Service Organizations (MSOs) and their crucial role in medical spa operations. Elissa explains how MSOs handle administrative tasks, enabling medical spas to maintain legal compliance while operating efficiently. The episode covers MSO structure, common misconceptions, legal risks, and operational benefits.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
01:38 - What is an MSO and its importance
03:05 - MSO roles and revenue sharing
05:04 - Common misconceptions about MSOs
08:05 - Legal risks of operating without an MSO
10:13 - Operational aspects: staffing, billing, and marketing
13:31 - Evolution of MSOs and digital trends
16:52 - Legal considerations for new medical spa owners
 
About the Show:
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast dedicated to navigating the complex legal landscape of medical spa operations. Hosted by Abigail Vaca, the show features expert insights from managing attorney Elissa Brewster, helping medical spa owners and practitioners understand crucial legal considerations in the industry.

The Legal Beauty of Medical Spas: Elissa Brewster's Expert Insights

Episode Summary:
In this inaugural episode, host Abigail Vaca interviews Elissa Brewster, a managing attorney specializing in medical spa law. Elissa shares her journey into healthcare law, explains the crucial legal considerations for medical spa operations, and discusses common pitfalls owners should avoid. She emphasizes the importance of proper business structure, compliance requirements, and the necessity of having experienced healthcare legal counsel.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:18 - Elissa's background and transition into healthcare law
02:37 - What makes medical spa law distinct and essential
05:11 - Common challenges in medical spa operations
07:18 - Legal pitfalls and ownership requirements in Texas
11:34 - Typical clients and legal strategy approaches
14:30 - Compliance requirements and importance
17:33 - Future of the medical spa industry
 
About the Show:
Red Flags with Elissa is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate world of medical spa law. Each episode features expert insights and practical advice for medical spa owners, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs in the aesthetic industry.