Regulators Table Decision On Medical Spas
Regulators Table Decision On Medical Spas
November 16, 2007
TheDenverChannel.com
DENVER -- The Colorado Board of Medical Examiners voted Thursday not to decide on new regulations that would affect medical spas in the state.
The regulations would increase the amount of required physician oversight when procedures like botox and laser hair removal administered. Currently, non-physicians are allowed to perform such treatments, provided their physician is within 30 mintues of the spa.
Proposed changes would affect what's known in state stuates as "Rule 800." The rule outlines policies regarding the delegation and supervision of medical services to unlicensed health care providers.
A spokesperson told 7NEWS after three hours of testimony Thusday, the Board sent the issue back to a subcommittee for further review.
Chris Lines said the proposed changes arose from, "a number of complaints out of day spas."
"I've seen people burned by lasers, and botox where they haven't had the outcome they want," said Dr. Tahl Humes, who owns and operates the Vitahl Medical Rejuvenation Spa in Cherry Creek North.
"I'm glad the board is doing it, however, I don't want them to take it too far, or to an extreme. I do think it needs to be looked at," Humes told 7NEWS Thursday evening.
Humes did not attend the Medical Examiner's hearing, but supports additional training and certification at the state level.
A number of day spa owners argue the proposed regulations might have an adverse impact on the beauty industry. Allied Health Association, which represents medical spas across the country is based in Lone Tree.
Director Ken Callison believes the tightend regulations amount to doctors needing to be on site where certain services are offered.
"In the goals to protect the consumer, there are better ways to do it than have a physician on site," Callison told 7NEWS.
Callison said it's not about whether physicians should have oversight, but how. Callison advocates devising treatment protocols for nurses and estheticians at the state level that would address policies on safety and emergency procedures.
"If they're treating properly, than you've solved most of the issues, and following proper procedure, than you've solved most to of the issues that would create an injury."
The Board of Medical Examiners plans to revisit the issue at its meeting in February.
Votes:3
Comments: 0