ASDSA AdvocacyPositions & Model LegislationModel LegislationMedical Spa Safety

About the Medical Spa Safety Coalition

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) has launched the Medical Spa Safety Coalition to bolster efforts to protect patients who visit medical spas for cosmetic medical procedures. The Coalition will work to promote the “Medical Spa Safety Act” model legislation and raise awareness about the lack of regulation in the medical spa industry and the dangers it can pose to patients.

This model legislation was created after physicians voiced concern about non-physicians treating patients in these facilities and state medical associations asking for a definition of “medical spa.” You may click on the logo on the left to read the model bill.

med spa safety coalition

Coalition Members include:

Alabama Dermatology Society
American Academy of Dermatology Association
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association
American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Arizona Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society
California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (CalDerm)
Colorado Dermatologic Society
Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
Illinois Dermatological Society
Iowa Dermatological Society
Louisiana Dermatological Society
Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology
Maryland Dermatologic Society
Missouri Dermatological Society Association
Nebraska Dermatology Society
Ohio Dermatological Association
Rhode Island Dermatology Society
Texas Dermatological Society
Virginia Dermatology Society

Highlights of the model bill include:

  • Clear definitions of medical spa and medical director
  • Requires an on-site medical director who must be a physician trained in all procedures performed at the med spa
  • Calls for direct on-site supervision of any non-physician providers
  • Detailed education requirements
  • Optional enabling clauses include reporting adverse events to the FDA or a physician organization’s adverse event database
  • States may choose to require notifying patients if a physician is not on-site

As part of its ongoing efforts, ASDSA has developed a comprehensive overview of Medical Spa Safety Resources, to provide valuable information on the importance of regulating med spas.

This resource provides valuable information on the importance of regulating medical spas and their personnel to protect patients and includes:

  • Relevant Dermatologic Surgery studies.
  • ASDSA positions, press releases / statements and patient safety recommendations.
  • Adverse events highlighted in media and on ASDSA social media.
  • CDC / FDA safety alerts and guidance .