Category Archives: Medical Spas

Physicians & Nurses in for a Long Ride on the Health Train

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npsBy: Jackie Bain

Nearly half of U.S. States have already expanded the scope of nursing practice and several more are analyzing whether it is appropriate.  The debate between physicians and nurses regarding how much autonomy a nurse should be given is a political hotbed that will likely be revisited by the legislature in the near future.  Until that time, the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing will quietly continue to enforce the present requirements. Here’s how they stand today:

Under Florida’s current laws, in addition to the practice of professional nursing, an advanced registered nurse practitioner (“ARNP”) may perform acts of medical diagnosis, treatment and prescription. However, for the most part, such acts must be performed under the general supervision of a physician.  The nature of such a supervisory relationship should be identified in a protocol which identifies the medical acts to be performed and the conditions for their performance. Continue reading →

Major Criminal Case in Palm Beach County Directed at Hormone Business

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Telemedicine hormoneA trial underway in West Palm Beach will have serious impact on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) businesses around the state.  HRT businesses are exploding around the state and country.  The underbelly of the business exists where business owners do not approach it as a medical service deserving of the same seriousness (clinically and legally) as any other healthcare service.  Four of the doctors involved have already pled guilty to conspiracy charges and were placed on five years probation.  One of the doctors relinquished his license.

The allegations involved in the case shed light on some of the more nefarious aspects of HRT business, which in this instance include— Continue reading →

Florida Medical Spas: Regulators Look Beyond the Surface

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money syringeThere is no such thing as a “medical spa” in Florida.  True!  They are not uniquely licensed.  In fact, they are usually not licensed at all because (1) they are owned and operated by licensed healthcare professionals, and/or (2) they do not file claims for reimbursement with health insurers.  And they are not a regulated entity.

What then is a “medical spa”?  If you want the long answer, go here. The short answer is It’s simply a place where people receive traditional spa services (e.g. facials), plus many other medical procedures, typically focused on cosmetic services (e.g. hair removal, Botox).   It’s “medical” because of the nature of the services provided.  It’s “medical” because (ideally) physician supervision is woven into the business model.

Continue reading →