Legislation Would Regulate Medical Spas

Sen. Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont) has introduced legislation (SB 1423) that would require a physician to be present at medical spas that perform laser and cosmetic medical procedures, the Oakland Tribune reports. A related bill, also introduced by Figueroa, would make it a misdemeanor for anyone other than a physician, nurse or physicians assistant to use laser devices.

The medical spa industry has criticized the legislation, saying people who operate lasers have a registered nurse background.

However, Figueroa said the lack of regulations in the industry poses a safety threat to consumers (Semmes, Oakland Tribune, 5/24).