LegitScript certification for telehealth brands
What LegitScript certification is, who needs it to advertise on Meta and Google, what it costs, how long it takes and what it does not cover. Facts are from LegitScript's healthcare certification page and the platform policies, with links.
Last checked
What certification is
LegitScript reviews healthcare merchants (pharmacies, telemedicine providers and others) against its certification standards: registration and compliance, internal practices, external practices, and transparency and advertising. Platforms and payment networks use the result to decide who may advertise or take card payments for prescription products.
Who needs it for Meta and Google
Ads promoting prescription drugs require active LegitScript certification (telehealth providers and online pharmacies) plus Meta authorization, and may only target eligible countries (US, Canada, New Zealand).
“Meta requires online pharmacies and telehealth providers to be actively certified with LegitScript.”
Policy source · checked 2026-10-29 · rule id META_RX_CERT
Ads that promote telehealth services generally, or educate about prescription drugs, do not need written authorization.
“Promote telehealth services generally”
Policy source · checked 2026-10-29 · rule id META_TELEHEALTH_GENERAL
In the United States, Google allows telemedicine providers accredited by LegitScript's Healthcare Merchant Certification Program, and online pharmacies accredited by LegitScript or NABP. Advertisers must also be certified with Google. Rules differ by country.
“Google allows telemedicine providers if they’re accredited by LegitScript’s Healthcare Merchant Certification Program”
Policy source · checked 2026-11-02 · rule id GOOGLE_TELEMED_CERT
What it costs
975 USD application fee and 2,150 USD a year per website, plus 2,500 USD per application if you choose expedited review (checked 2026-10-30). Work out your total with the LegitScript cost calculator.
How long it takes
LegitScript does not publish a standard review time. Expedited processing starts the review within 2 business days of submission. The biggest delay is usually gathering documents: licences, clinical policies, ownership details and any legal or regulatory history from the past 10 years. The readiness checklist lists them.
What it does not cover
- It does not approve your ads. Each platform still applies its own ad policies to every ad.
- It does not cover claims in your copy. FTC rules on evidence and testimonials still apply.
- Each domain needs its own fees, and every domain you operate must be disclosed.
- Ads that promote telehealth services in general, without promoting prescription drugs, are handled differently by Meta.
Addiction treatment certification
LegitScript runs a separate certification for addiction treatment providers. LegitScript says providers may qualify if they offer licensed addiction treatment services in the US or Canada, in person or remotely. It says lead generators, call centers and marketers that refer patients to other providers for compensation may not qualify, and neither may a sober living home or recovery residence without licensed clinical services. It says the certification is trusted by Google, Meta, Nextdoor and Microsoft.
Its standards for these providers include rules on advertising and on patient incentives. Standard 13 covers advertising and Standard 14 covers incentives such as paying for travel or rent.
Sources: LegitScript addiction treatment certification and LegitScript addiction treatment standards. Checked on 31 October 2026.
For ad creative for certified programs, see addiction treatment marketing and our behavioral health marketing section.
Check a certification
Look up whether a website is certified on LegitScript's website certification status page.
Questions
- What is LegitScript certification?
- A review of healthcare merchants such as pharmacies and telemedicine providers. Google, Meta, TikTok and other platforms use it to decide who may advertise prescription drugs and pharmacy services.
- How long does LegitScript certification take?
- LegitScript does not publish a standard timeline. It offers expedited processing, which starts the review within 2 business days of submission.
Related guides and tools
This page is general information about platform policies, not legal advice. Policies change; check the linked source before you run ads.