Google Ads is updating how it enforces its Healthcare and Medicines Policy. While the core rules around prescription drug advertising aren’t changing, enforcement is about to get stricter.
If your medical spa or healthcare practice advertises medications, especially compounded or off-label drugs like semaglutide, tirzepatide, or hormone therapies, now is the time to review your advertising strategy and consider LegitScript certification.
What’s Changing?
In August 2025, Google is deprecating the “Restricted Medical Content” label, which was used internally to manage which certified advertisers could target prescription drug keywords.
This label is going away, but the underlying policy remains in place:
- Only certified advertisers may target prescription drug-related keywords, and all ads, landing pages, and keywords must comply with Google’s Restricted Drug Terms policy.
- Ads, landing pages, and keywords involving prescription drugs are still subject to Google’s Restricted Drug Terms policy.
- Violations will now be subject to stricter enforcement. For non-egregious violations, Google generally issues a 7-day warning before suspending an account. However, accounts can be suspended immediately for ‘egregious’ violations without prior notice.
If you’re advertising weight loss medications, hormone therapies, or prescription skin treatments, Google is watching more closely, and they expect compliance.
How Can Med Spas and Telehealth Companies Stay Compliant?
One of the clearest paths forward is LegitScript certification. Google recognizes LegitScript as a third-party certification partner for healthcare advertisers. If you’re LegitScript-certified, you can advertise prescription products in accordance with Google’s rules.
LegitScript certification is particularly helpful if your business offers:
- Weight loss or aesthetic medications (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide)
- Compounded medications
- IV hydration therapy with compounded vitamins
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Telehealth prescribing or medication shipping
LegitScript’s review process evaluates licensure, compliance with FDA advertising standards, scope-of-practice alignment, pharmacy partnerships, website transparency, and more.
What Does LegitScript Require?
Based on its Medical Spa Certification Checklist, applicants should expect to provide:
- Proof of all provider licenses (MDs, NPs, RNs, etc.)
- Documentation for DEA certificates and dispensing licenses
- HIPAA-compliant privacy policies
- Details on standing orders, mobile services, and telehealth models
- Pharmacy partner information (pharmacies must also be LegitScript or NABP accredited)
- Transparent marketing materials and domain ownership info
Certification involves an initial application fee and ongoing annual fees to maintain status.
Why It Matters Now
As enforcement ramps up, uncertified advertisers risk having their ads rejected, or worse, having their Google Ads accounts suspended. Getting certified now can help ensure uninterrupted advertising, especially if your practice relies on digital marketing to attract patients.
Stay Compliant Today to Protect Yourself From Enforcement Later
If your med spa or telemedicine business advertises prescription medications, Google’s August 2025 enforcement update is your cue to act. LegitScript certification can help you stay visible, compliant, and competitive in an increasingly regulated online space.
Before running prescription-related ads, contact Lengea Law to confirm your advertising.