A newly released report from the New York City Council’s Oversight and Investigations Division, conducted in collaboration with state regulators, is drawing renewed attention to patient safety and regulatory compliance within the rapidly growing medical spa industry.
Following inspections across all five boroughs, investigators found significant compliance gaps at a number of businesses advertising medical aesthetic services. The findings underscore a growing concern: when medical procedures are delivered without proper licensing, oversight, or documentation, patient safety is put at risk—and public trust in the industry suffers.
Unlicensed Medical Procedures and Safety Gaps Identified
Between June and September 2024, regulators inspected 15 establishments operating under cosmetology-related licenses rather than the medical credentials required for procedures such as injectable treatments, IV therapy, and other invasive aesthetic services. According to the report, every location inspected was found to be performing medical services without meeting legal requirements.
The investigation revealed widespread issues, including missing or improperly displayed licenses, incomplete safety documentation, insufficient physician oversight, sanitation deficiencies, and lapses in insurance coverage. In several cases, inspectors also identified staff members whose credentials were expired or nonexistent.
Enforcement actions are already underway. Several businesses have lost their licenses, while others face ongoing review and potential penalties.
A Call for Transparency, Education, and Stronger Oversight
City leaders emphasized that patients deserve clear, accurate information about who is providing their care and whether a facility is authorized to deliver medical services. The report calls for stronger consumer transparency, more consistent inspections, and broader public education around the difference between cosmetic services and medical treatments.
Among the proposed policy measures are requirements for clear signage at cosmetology-licensed businesses, coordinated inspection efforts targeting facilities advertising medical procedures, and a statewide education initiative to help consumers verify credentials and understand professional titles.
What This Means for Ethical Med Spa Practices
For compliant med spa owners and providers, the report serves as both a warning and an opportunity. Clinics that prioritize proper licensing, physician supervision, documentation, and patient communication are well-positioned to stand apart in an increasingly scrutinized market.
Industry leaders recommend that med spas take proactive steps now—reviewing internal protocols, confirming staff credentials, strengthening safety records, and ensuring transparent communication with patients about medical oversight and compliance standards.
How OptiMantra Supports Compliance-Driven Med Spas
As regulatory oversight intensifies, having the right technology infrastructure is essential. OptiMantra is an EMR and practice management system that supports medically directed aesthetic and wellness practices with tools designed to reinforce compliance, documentation, and accountability.
From structured clinical documentation and provider role controls to audit-ready records and transparent patient communication workflows, OptiMantra helps ethical med spas operate confidently within state and local regulations—while delivering safe, high-quality care.
As the med spa industry continues to evolve, one message is clear: patient safety, regulatory compliance, and transparency are not optional. Clinics that invest in compliant systems and responsible care models will not only protect their patients—but also help elevate standards across the entire profession.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or medical advice. Laws and regulations governing medical spas vary by state and are subject to change. Med spa owners and providers should consult qualified legal counsel and licensed healthcare professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Source:
American Med Spa Association. (2026, January 7th). NYC Council Report Reveals Med Spa Safety Violations. American Med Spa Association. https://americanmedspa.org/news/nyc-council-report-reveals-med-spa-safety-violations
