The Puerto Rico Senate is evaluating Senate Bill 971 (P. del S. 971), a proposal that would create the island’s first comprehensive regulatory framework governing aesthetic services, medical spas, and related cosmetic procedures. The bill was introduced in January 2026 by Sen. Juan Oscar Morales Rodríguez (New Progressive Party), who chairs the Senate Health Committee.  

The measure, titled the “Ley para la Regulación Integral de los Servicios Estéticos y Sueroterapia en Puerto Rico,” responds to what lawmakers describe as the unchecked proliferation of beauty clinics, med spas, and intravenous therapy businesses operating without clear oversight standards. According to Senate testimony, legislators have received reports of clandestine operations causing serious patient harm due to lack of licensure, inadequate training, and absence of medical supervision.  

Consumer Complaints and Enforcement Concerns

Reporting by W Journal Puerto Rico and other local outlets indicates that Puerto Rico’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) has received at least 59 complaints related to cosmetic procedures and beauty services. Allegations include misleading advertising, “bait-and-switch” pricing practices, and refusal to refund deposits after consumers declined higher-priced treatments than initially advertised.  

Sen. Morales has publicly stated that the investigation uncovered businesses falsely presenting themselves as medical professionals and promoting procedures with minimal disclosure of risks. These findings stem in part from hearings conducted under Senate Resolution 107, which examined the illegal practice of dermatology and aesthetic medicine on the island.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 971

As introduced, SB 971 would:

• Require all aesthetic service centers, med spas, and serum therapy establishments to obtain an operating license from the Puerto Rico Department of Health, renewable every two years.
• Mandate defined infrastructure standards, including sterile preparation areas and emergency response equipment.
• Impose training and credentialing requirements tied to the scope of services offered, with the Department of Health directed to establish detailed regulations.
• Require documented informed consent prior to procedures and prohibit misleading or deceptive advertising claims.
• Authorize unannounced inspections, immediate cease-and-desist orders, and administrative penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation, including potential license revocation and permanent closure.

The bill also contemplates creation of a registry of adverse events, an issue currently under discussion as the measure moves through amendments in committee.

Changes Related to IV Therapy

Earlier drafts of SB 971 included specific restrictions on intravenous (IV) therapy, referred to locally as sueroterapia. During committee hearings, the Department of Health clarified that IV therapy is not recognized as a standalone clinical treatment under existing health regulations. As a result, legislators have indicated that IV-specific language is being removed from the bill, with Sen. Morales stating his intent to introduce separate legislation addressing IV therapy services.

Industry Response

The Association Pro-Colegio de Esteticistas de Puerto Rico has expressed concern that earlier versions of the bill would have limited licensed estheticians from performing procedures such as radiofrequency treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, and certain energy-based technologies, despite their inclusion in state-approved educational curricula. These provisions are among those currently under review during the amendment process.

The official Spanish-language bill text (P. del S. 971) is available from the Puerto Rico Senate.

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