By Patrick O'Brien, JD, legal coordinator, American Med Spa Association

AmSpa has received word from sources that Illinois medical spas may be the subject of complaints filed with government inspectors for violating current mask orders. These complaints appear to stem from the common misconception that medical spas are subject to the same rules as salons, barbershops and day spas. However, medical spas, when properly formed, are medical practices, and so are held to different requirements. Unfortunately, this misconception is persistent, and the media, the government and the public often do not understand the differences in the rules. This is an issue we previously had warned our Illinois members about.

The best practice for medical spas is to have the patient keep their mask on as much as possible, removing it only for as long as needed. The providers and staff should have their personal protective equipment (PPE) on at all times, with enhanced PPE employed where appropriate.

Information about this is still developing, and AmSpa is working to get additional information in as timely a manner as possible. However, please know that if you are subject to a complaint or citation, it is important that you handle it with the same seriousness you give to other complaints and investigations.

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