The proposed "Medical Spas Safety Act" aims to regulate medical spas and enhance patient safety during cosmetic medical procedures by establishing a new chapter in Title 23 of the General Laws. The bill defines key terms such as "ablative lasers," "cosmetic medical procedures," and "medical director," and outlines the responsibilities of medical directors, which include implementing quality care policies, developing written office protocols for each cosmetic medical procedure, and ensuring proper training for all personnel involved in performing these procedures.

The act mandates that only licensed professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, and certified nurse practitioners, can perform specific procedures, particularly those involving ablative lasers or ablative energy devices. It specifies that non-physicians may only perform cosmetic medical procedures if they have the requisite training and if the procedures have been delegated to them by a supervising physician, supervising PA in collaboration with a physician, or supervising APRN.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Rhode Island Department of Health to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the purpose and intent of this chapter, including the licensing of medical spas as healthcare facilities, by July 1, 2026. It also amends existing definitions in Chapter 23-17 to incorporate medical spas into the healthcare facility regulatory framework and clarifies definitions related to healthcare services and equipment. The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining oversight through qualified supervisory structures and is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5351  SUB A: 23-17-2, 23-15-2
5351  SUB A as amended: 23-17-2, 23-15-2