Gold Star List - Frequently Asked Questions

What is IMPAC?

IMPAC, Inc. is dedicated to the promotion of client/guest safety and quality improvement in the spa industry including day spas, destination spas, medi-spas, medical spas and physician practice spas.

IMPAC, Inc is an accreditation company located in the United States. As an accreditation company, we develop quality standards for specific industries and offer accreditation based on those standards. The IMPAC quality standards are the ‘gold standard’ for the industry and are reviewed by members of the Advisory Panel.

What is IMPAC’s Gold Star List Program?

The Gold Star List Program verifies the five essential pieces of information that every client or guest should consider before going to a day spa or destination spa. The five essential pieces of information answer these questions?

	Is the Day Spa or Designation Spa licensed according to state regulations?
	Are the staff of the Day Spa or Designation Spa licensed or credentialed according to state regulations?
	Have any complaints against the Day Spa or Designation Spa been lodged with the Better Business Bureau or state licensing boards?
	Did the facility pass their most recent inspection?
	Are other clients or guests satisfied with their experience at the Day Spa or Designation Spa?
For every ‘yes’ answer to the questions above, the Day Spa or Designation Spa is awarded a Gold Star. A Spa can earn one to five Gold Stars.

Why should a Spa apply to be on IMPAC’s Gold Star List?

A Day Spa or Designation Spa will want to be validated by an independent organization such as IMPAC. The Gold Star List verifies the essential elements for a legitimate Spa with licensed and credentialed staff and with satisfied clients and guests.

Being on the Gold Star List differentiates a Day Spa or Destination Spa in a very competitive market place. It reassures the client and guest that the Spa has met state regulations and an independent review.

How do clients and guests know that a Spa is on IMPAC’s Gold Star List?

The Day Spas and Destination Spas on the Gold Star List will receive a Gold Star seal that they can display on their website and marketing materials. They can also display their certificate in the Spa.

Clients and guests can go to the IMPAC website, www.impacsurvey.org, and click on Consumer Information to find a complete list of Gold Star IMPAC Day Spas and Destination Spas. The list will include the number of Gold Stars that the Spa has earned. Clients and guests can also call 1-800-677-7019 during normal business hours for a complete list of Day Spas Destination Spas on the Gold Star List.

Who is eligible for IMPAC’s Gold Star List?

Only Day Spas and Destination Spas are eligible for the Gold Star List. The definition for a Day Spa and Destination Spa is as follows: A Day Spa or Destination Spa provides wellness and beauty services that do not require physician oversight or direction. A Day Spa or Destination Spa may provide what is classified as traditional spa services, such as massage, pedicures, manicures, facials, microdermabrasion, and/or Reiki.

Medi-Spa, Physician Practice Spa, Wellness and Medical Spa and any spa which offers services that involve physician oversight, physician direction or physician practice are not eligible for the Gold Star List.

What is the cost to be reviewed for IMPAC’s Gold Star List?

The cost to apply for IMPAC’s Gold Star List is $250. The fee is paid with submission of the applications and required documents.

What is the process for IMPAC’s Gold Star List review?

The Day Spa or Destination Spa submits the application and fee with the required documents. The required documents include a copy of the facilities license, the licenses, education documents and other credentials for the listed staff, most recent facility inspection report, and customer/guest satisfaction survey and results. These documents are reviewed and verified. The designation of number of Gold Stars and placement on the Gold Star List are made within 30 days of the application submission.

For client/guest satisfaction, the Gold Star List will supply the Spa with the survey and will analyze the results on a quarterly basis. These results are returned to the Spa. After six months, if the clients/guest rate the satisfaction with their Spa experience as “very good” or “excellent”, a Gold Star will be awarded to the Day Spa or Destination Spa.

What is the scope of IMPAC’s Gold Star List?

The Gold Star List verifies the five essential criteria for a legitimate Day Spa or Designation Spa. The five essential components are as follows:

	Spa is currently licensed according to state regulations.
	Spa has currently licensed or credentialed staff for services that they are providing according to state regulations.
	There are no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau or with state licensing boards.
	Most recent inspection of the facility was deficiency free.
	Clients/guests rate their satisfaction with their Spa experience on average as “very good” or “excellent.
A Gold Star is awarded for each of the five criteria that is met and verified.

How long is IMPAC’s Gold Star List term for Day Spas and Destination Spas?

The Gold Star List is for one year.

How does the Gold Star List differ from IMPAC Spa Accreditation?

The Gold Star List meets and verifies the five essential criteria for a legitimate Day Spa or Designation Spa. The Gold Star List only addresses the basic requirements. The review is done based on the application, submitted documents and research. There is no on-site review of the facility and staff.

The IMPAC Spa Accreditation is based on quality standards for the Spa industry. It is beyond basics and regulations. The focus of IMPAC Spa Accreditation is on best practices, excellent customer service, and excellent outcomes for the client/guest. Compliance to these quality IMPAC Spa Standards is verified during an on-site survey with experts in the field. IMPAC Spa Accreditation emphasizes being among the best Spas in the industry.

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