Colorado lawmakers push for transparency in med spa services with new disclosure bill

The Colorado House Health & Human Services Committee convened on January 29, 2025, to discuss a significant legislative proposal aimed at enhancing consumer protection in medical spas. The proposed House Bill 25-1024 seeks to address growing concerns regarding the delegation of medical aesthetic services to unlicensed individuals, a practice that has raised alarms among health professionals and consumers alike.

During the meeting, Representative Wilford highlighted the increasing popularity of med spas in Colorado, where services such as Botox and fillers are often administered by unlicensed personnel under the supervision of licensed medical directors. This delegation can lead to situations where consumers unknowingly receive treatments from individuals without the necessary qualifications, raising questions about safety and accountability.

The bill aims to implement two key measures: first, it would require medical directors to publicly display their licenses and provide contact information for the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in a visible location within the med spa. Second, it mandates that med spas disclose to patients whether the services are being performed by licensed professionals or unlicensed individuals. This transparency is intended to empower consumers to make informed decisions about their care.

Support for the bill was voiced by various stakeholders, including Sam Delp, director of DORA's division of professions and occupations, and Dr. Mark Longshore, executive director of the Colorado Nurses Association. Both emphasized the importance of consumer awareness and the potential risks associated with unlicensed services. Delp noted that the legislation would help patients understand who is providing their care and how to report any issues that may arise.

The committee also addressed concerns about stakeholder engagement, assuring that input had been gathered from relevant organizations, including the Colorado Medical Society and the Nurses Association. The discussion underscored a collective commitment to improving safety standards in the rapidly growing med spa industry.

As the committee moves forward, the bill represents a proactive step toward ensuring that consumers are better informed about the qualifications of those providing medical aesthetic services, ultimately aiming to enhance patient safety and accountability within the industry.