In this episode of Compliance is Cool, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch and General Counsel Patrick O'Brien dive deep into the legislative "flurry" currently sweeping through the medical spa industry. Focusing on Indiana's Senate Bill 282, the duo explores how a seemingly benign licensing bill evolved into a restrictive piece of legislation targeting both medical spas and compounding pharmacies. They pull back the curtain on the "Big Pharma" influence—specifically Eli Lilly’s presence in Indianapolis—and explain why the sudden push to track compounded GLP-1 medications has created a "death by paperwork" scenario for med spa owners. This episode serves as a wake-up call for the industry as similar legislative language begins to surface in states like Florida, Iowa, and Arizona. Discussion points include:

• An overview of the path Indiana SB 282 took from draft to law
• An explanation of the bill's provisions and how they would adversely affect medical providers
• The connection between SB 282 and big pharma's battle with compounding medications
• How Alex, Patrick, and their lobbyist worked with legislators to improve the bill and what it still includes
• The national trends that practitioners should stay aware of, and how AmSpa and its members can be proactive in leading the conversation

AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch introduces a brand-new segment of the Medical Spa Insider podcast: Compliance is Cool. As the medical spa industry reaches a critical inflection point, Alex discusses his transition from CEO to Chairman, allowing him to focus full-time on the legal advocacy and legislative "battles" currently bubbling beneath the surface. From the importance of data-backed safety research to a deep dive into the recent legislative "kerfuffle" in Indiana involving Eli Lilly and GLP-1 compounding, this episode sets the stage for a more vocal, protected, and compliant industry. Email your compliance questions to alex@AmericanMedSpa.org to be answered on future episodes. Key points include:

• The Launch of "Compliance is Cool"
• Leadership Evolution at AmSpa and Alex's new projects
• The legislative challenges looming for med spas
• The Indiana GLP-1 bill and Eli Lilly
• Why the industry must invest in scientific studies
• AmSpa’s New Chicago Home

With Alex Thiersch on the ground in Indiana lobbying against pivotal new legislation, MSPA Digital Marketing Supervisor Derek steps in to break down a whirlwind of 2026 legislative moves. From Big Pharma’s influence on GLP-1 regulations to shifting MSO scrutiny and expanding autonomy for practitioners, this episode explores how new bills in states like Indiana, Florida, and Arizona are reshaping the industry. Learn why "information is power" and how these national trends might be coming to your state next. Key points include:

• The Battle Over GLP-1s
• Stricter State Oversight
• MSOs Under the Microscope
• Expanding Autonomy
• Rising Professional Standards
• New Practice Permissions
• Next Steps for Practitioners and AmSpa