Provides that the performance of cosmetic medical services is the practice of medicine and surgery.
Impact
The legislation mandates that cosmetic medical procedures can only be performed by qualified non-physician personnel under the supervision of a licensed medical director or physician. This aims to enhance patient protection and ensures that all practitioners involved in cosmetic procedures are adequately trained and supervised. The Rhode Island Department of Health will be responsible for developing detailed rules and regulations by July 1, 2024, which will further clarify and enforce these standards.
Summary
House Bill H8296, known as the Medical Spas Safety Act, amends the laws pertaining to health and safety in Rhode Island, specifically addressing the regulations surrounding cosmetic medical procedures performed at medical spas. The act classifies the performance of cosmetic medical services as the practice of medicine and surgery. It emphasizes the importance of having qualified individuals, such as licensed medical directors, oversee these procedures to ensure patient safety and proper medical care.
Contention
A key point of discussion surrounding H8296 involves the potential pushback from both medical professionals and medical spa operators. Some stakeholders argue that the regulations may impose unnecessary restrictions on non-physician providers, potentially limiting access to cosmetic services and increasing costs for patients. Advocates for the bill, however, contend that heightened oversight is essential to prevent complications and ensure that services provided are safe and effective.
Notable_points
The bill includes detailed definitions of medical and cosmetic procedures, responsibilities of medical directors, and the importance of having a structured protocol in place for procedures conducted at medical spas. It is clear from the discussions that the intent of H8296 is to strike a balance between regulating cosmetic medical practices and allowing for accessible and quality care in Rhode Island.
Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Includes immediate family members and related parties to be included in the definitions applicable to the chapter and require that information for nursing facility applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership.
Includes immediate family members and related parties to be included in the definitions applicable to the chapter and require that information for nursing facility applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership.