New legislation as of July 2014 Affecting Medical Spas inspires a New Business Model and Grand Opening in Greenwich, CT
http://www.theocosmeticmedic.com (PRWEB) September 11, 2014 -- SKIN M.D. by The Cosmetic Medic is celebrating its Grand Opening this Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 45 East Putnam Avenue from 10-5pm. The business is owned by Karen M. Soika, M.D. who provides physician administered anti-aging programs, weight loss programs, as well as a high-end medical laser skin care at a leading facility with exclusive medical skincare products from Obagi, Epionce, Allergen, AnteAge, Sente, Revision and Biopelle.
The problem of non-medically licensed procedures has become increasingly prevalent in Fairfield County. In July 2014, The CT Health Law Legislative update revealed a new law to address the misuse and abuse prevalent in the Fairfield County and State of CT areas medspas. This law was born from the increased patient neglect and complications due to loose legislation in the State of CT regarding medical spa's, most notably that they never have on premise at the time of treatments an actual Doctor, Advanced Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. They were only "buying or renting" the use of a doctor’s license. They would pay a local or willing M.D. a daily fee to use their license. The participating physician would come in once a month to sign off. This has put patients at great risk as supported by data presented at The American Academy of Dermatology Medical Conference in Denver, CO this past March. The conference stated that the leading area of medical malpractice is laser treatments performed by non-physicians.The new Connecticut legislature Public Act 14-119 issued July 2014 by the Connecticut Department of Health defined the operations of a medical spa, and what constitutes a cosmetic medical procedure to be as such: A cosmetic medical procedure is any procedure performed to improve an individual’s appearance that does not prevent or treat illness or disease in a meaningful way such as laser Hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, hair restoration, Intense Pulsed Light, and cosmetic injectables such as Botox and Juvederm/Dermal Fillers. The act clearly states: "every medical spa must employ or contract with a Physician, advanced practice nurse which is only a nurse practitioner NP, not a standard nurse (RN), or a Physician Assistant (PA) who has training and expertise to perform cosmetic medical procedures. However, this specific medical provider must assess each patient prior to such person receiving a cosmetic procedure. Connecticut law does not allow PA's or RN's to work independently, they must be supervised by a physician on site. Only a nurse practitioner may act independently without the physician on hand. The Legislation requires all medical spas to specifically name and state their level of training on their website, advertisements, and it must be conspicuous. It also must be provided in writing and personally delivered to each patient at the time of their procedure.
It has been at the patients’ risk when these laws are not reinforced. Complications can happen, and in order to ensure patient safety, Dr. Soika performs all of her own procedures. She is dedicated to revolutionizing the art of Cosmetic Medicine and ensuring it remains in the trained and capable hands of physicians, who by current law are the only practitioners authorized to purchase any of the related products or machines.
“I was appalled to learn that these medical spa's were administering procedures that could lead to medical complications without the oversight and medical knowledge of a Medical Doctor. I created SKIN M.D. because I wanted to offer clients a superior option, providing treatments administered by an experienced and knowledgeable Medical doctor,” stated Karen M. Soika, M.D. owner of SKIN M.D.
Skin M. D. is a physician owned and operated cosmetic medical practice. We are not a medical spa, as we are actually run and operated by a highly trained physician. Many people are unaware or under the false assumption that procedures they receive from day spas and medspas are conducted by doctors or physician assistants. Most are not. They are administered by estheticians or nurses who are not equipped or licensed to handle a medical emergency. All procedures at Skin M.D. are administered by Karen M. Soika, M.D. or directly under her supervision.
Skin MD, LLC is operated as a sole proprietor by DR. Karen Soika and is located at 45 east Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. 203-489-3908. http://www.thecosmeticmedic.com or http://www.greenwichcosmeticmedic.com.
We specialize in Laser Skin Resurfacing, Fraxel, Microdermabrasion, Full facial services, Botox, Juvederm, IPL, Laser Liposuction, Smart Lipo, Body contouring, and medical grade skincare products. Visit our website for more information.
Karen Soika, Skin MD, http://www.greenwichcosmeticmedic.com, +1 (203) 489-3908, [email protected]
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