NY Esthetician Arrested for Counterfeit Injections

After allegedly knowingly buying and injecting counterfeit botulinum toxin, an esthetician in New York has been charged with wire fraud, smuggling, and handling of counterfeit drugs. ASDSA encourages patients to ensure medical procedures are performed or supervised by an onsite physician, especially by a board certified dermatologist.

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedSpaSafety #PatientSafety

MedPAC Medicare Recommendations

MedPAC is recommending a 2026 physician payment update of the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) minus 1 percentage point, to better reflect inflation. The recommendation will be sent to Congress in March, where hopefully lawmakers will heed MedPAC’s suggestion and take a step towards fair reimbursement. ASDSA supports adequate Medicare reimbursement to protect patient access to specialty care.

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedicareReform #PatientAccess

FDA Pulse Oximeter Draft Guidance

The FDA has released draft guidance for pulse oximeter manufacturers to improve their accuracy across diverse skin tones after potential inaccuracies were found for individuals with darker skin tones. ASDSA submitted policy recommendations to the FDA, some of which have been adopted into the draft guidance. These recommendations include improving the labeling, use instructions, and warnings of pulse oximeters to enhance patient understanding, providing a range of values considered “normal” for results, as well as encouraging further research into the accuracy of pulse oximeters for all skin types.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #FDA

ASDSA Finds Lack of Physician Supervision in Medical Spas

A recent study highlights the threat to patient safety that medical spas may currently pose when there is a lack of on-site physician supervision. ASDSA encourages patients to ensure medical procedures are performed or supervised by a physician.

Lack of Regulation in Med Spas Threatens Patient Safety

Lack of regulation and enforcement has enabled a large number of medical spas to offer medical procedures by inadequately trained or supervised persons to an unsuspecting public, as featured in this article. ASDSA’s Med Spa Safety Model Legislation states, “It is in the public interest to protect patients from harm by ensuring that med spas deliver safe medical care either performed or supervised by an on-site physician.”

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedSpaSafety #PatientSafety

Texas Woman Arrested for Injecting Unknown Substances in Med Spa

A woman in Texas has been arrested and charged with a felony for practicing medicine without a license or physician supervision in a medical spa after injecting patients, using unknown substances and counterfeit botulinum toxin.

ASDSA encourages patients to ensure medical procedures are performed or supervised by an onsite physician, especially by a board certified dermatologist. Patients deserve optimal safety for medical procedures in every setting.

Fix Medicare Now!

With a 2.8% Medicare physician payment cut in 2025, physician practices and patient access are at risk. ASDS/A member, Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, calls for a fix to the broken Medicare physician payment system in an op-ed for U.S. News.

ASDSA urges Congress to take action and pass H.R. 10073, which stops the cuts adjusts the Medicare system to account for inflation.

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedicareReform #StoptheCuts #PatientAccess

Fight the Fakes

Fake drugs severely risk patient safety, as seen in recent cases of counterfeit botulinum toxin and GLP-1s. Counterfeit drugs have been on the rise in recent years partially due to unregulated med spas, drug shortages and the influx of online pharmacies. Let’s stand together for safer healthcare and raise our voices for change.

#ASDSAdvocacy #StopFakeMeds #FightTheFakes #FTFWeek2024

Manufacturer Sues Med Spas Over Patient Safety Concerns Related to Compounded Weight-Loss Drugs

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, is taking legal action against several med spas for selling “knockoff” compounded weight-loss drugs with “false claims about efficacy or safety, and misleading consumers about the clinical data used to back them.”

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #MedSpaSafetyAct

Owner of MA Med Spa Charged with Smuggling & Administering Counterfeit Injections

The owner/esthetician of multiple Med Spas in Massachusetts was arrested and charged after administering thousands of illegal, counterfeit injections, and allegedly misrepresenting herself as a nurse.

Please see the ASDSA website or email advocacy@asds.net to learn about Med Spa Safety and curbing practitioner misrepresentation efforts.

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedSpaSafety #PatientSafety #ProtectPatients #PractitionerMisrepresentation

FDA Warns Against Use of Compounded Drugs from Fullerton Wellness

The FDA warns against the use of compounded drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide injections, made by a California-based facility. FDA joined California regulatory authorities at the Fullerton Wellness facility and observed conditions, such as the use of non-sterile ingredients to make these injectable drugs, that could cause the drugs produced by the company to become contaminated.

ASDSA supports safeguards to ensure compounding pharmacies be licensed and regularly inspected to make certain appropriate sterility safeguards are in place. Read full FDA alert to learn more about this warning.

Lidocaine Shortage Affecting Patient Safety

The ongoing lidocaine shortage continues to threaten physicians’ ability to practice and patient safety. To mitigate the shortage, physicians may utilize compounded lidocaine in their practice.

ASDSA supports physician authority to prepare and administer medications in the office-setting.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #FDA

Congrats ASDSA 2024 Patient Safety Heroes!

Congratulations to ASDSA’s 2024 Patient Safety Heroes: Alexander Gross, MD, Ann Haas, MD, and Jerome Potozkin, MD. This year’s award is being presented to members who have taken an active role in promoting and protecting patient safety.

#ASDSAdvocacy #ASDSMeeting #patientsafety

Congrats ASDSA 2024 Top Advocates / Emerging Top Advocates!

Thank you for your commitment to advocacy. This year’s award is being presented to members who have taken an active role in promoting and protecting patient safety.

Pictured (left to right): Emerging Top Advocate: Chloe Fernandez, DO, Top Advocates: ASDS/A President M. Laurin Council, MD, MBA, Lawrence Green, MD, Alexander Gross, MD, Samantha Schneider, MD and Rachel Kyllo, MD

Not pictured: Top Advocates: Catherine DiGiorgio, MD, Deirdre Hooper, MD and Maral Skelsey, MD; Emerging Top Advocate: Arjun Saini, MD

#TopAdvocate #ASDSAdovcacy #ASDSMeeting

Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer

With one in five Americans expected to develop skin cancer before the age of 70, skin cancer is a pressing public health issue.

ASDSA and 22 dermatologic associations and skin cancer prevention organizations recognize the severity of this issue and have sent a letter to the U.S. Surgeon General calling for the renewal of the Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer, which would declare skin cancer a public health crisis and prioritize prevention efforts.

#ASDSAdvocacy #SkinCancerPrevention #SurgeonGeneral

Drug Shortage Resources

Drug shortages are a patient safety issue impacting the practice of medicine and patients. Physicians have access to ASHP’s guidance resources that can offer support and assistance in dealing with drug shortages. Contact advocacy@asds.net to let us know about any issues impacting you and your patients.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #FDA

Adverse Events Linked to Weight-loss Drugs

The FDA recently issued a warning about cases of overdoses caused by incorrect dosing of injectable weight-loss drugs, while the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has reported cases of counterfeit weight-loss drugs from unlicensed and unregulated sources online endangering patient safety. These adverse reports emphasize the growing patient safety concerns regarding the lack of regulation and proper oversight of medical products / procedures.

ASDSA champions patient safety. Visit the link in our bio to learn more about ASDSA’s advocacy efforts.

#ASDSAdvocacy #patientsafety #boardcertifieddermatologist #FDA #AdverseEvents

ASDSA at NCSL Summit 2024

If you are at #NCSLsummit stop by booth 207 Physicians Advocating for Patients!

ASDSA is highlighting efforts state legislators can take to protect patients. #ASDSAdvocacy #patientsafety #MedSpaSafety #SUNucate #PULSE

FDA Warns Against At-Home Chemical Peel Products

The FDA encourages patients to only use or purchase chemical peel products under the supervision of a dermatologist or licensed and trained professional to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as severe chemical burns, pain, swelling, infection, skin color changes, and disfiguring scars.

ASDSA champions patient safety and supports medical procedures, including chemical peels, based on patient outcomes and quality care, as well as appropriate on-site physician supervision, oversight and training. Visit the link below to learn more about ASDSA’s work to protect patients. #ASDSAdvocacy #medspasafety #patientsafety #boardcertifieddermatologists #FDA

One Week Left to Nominate Patient Safety Hero

ASDSA is accepting nominations for its Patient Safety Hero Award which recognizes outstanding leaders who promote policies that reflect the Association’s policy agenda and patient safety initiatives. We want to recognize individuals or organizations for their vital participation in a campaign focused on patient safety that raises awareness of ASDSA's advocacy priorities and demonstrates a model for success.

Awardees are nominated by fellow ASDSA members and awards will be announced at the 2024 ASDS Annual Meeting in Orlando. Visit the link below to view past award recipients, access the nomination form and learn more. #ASDSAdvocacy #patientsafety

Need for Increased Public Protection Measures

The CDC report on its investigation of reported cases of botulism symptoms advises patients to seek medical care from licensed and trained individuals using recommended doses of FDA-approved products at licensed or accredited health care facilities to limit risk of harm.

If you experience symptoms of botulism or are a physician who encounters any patients seeking medical care for adverse reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections, please report them to the Cutaneous Procedures Adverse Events Reporting (CAPER) Registry. Visit the link below to learn more about the report.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #CounterfeitBotox #CDC

Protect Patients from Practitioner Misrepresentation

A CA man who plead guilty to multiple felonies for impersonating a medical doctor and performing medical procedures including Botox injections, lip and face fillers, and thread-lift procedures on numerous unsuspecting victims has been charged with attempting to start another medical business less than two weeks after he was released from prison.

Patients deserve to make informed decisions about from whom they receive medical treatment. ASDSA supports public policy which requires disclosure of level of licensure in medical advertisements and communications, as well as posting this information in health care settings and on photo identification badges in patient-interactions. Visit the link below to learn more.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #ProtectPatients #PractitionerMisrepresentation #boardcertifieddermatologists

Backroom Botox a 'Wild West' in Texas

Recent Texas investigation emphasizes the patient safety risks associated with receiving medical procedures in unlicensed, unapproved settings without proper oversight of medical care. Patients deserve optimal safety in all settings when receiving medical procedures, but a lack of regulation or proper oversight of medical spas / procedures is placing patients at risk.

ASDSA champions patient safety and supports medical spa procedures based on patient outcomes and quality care, as well as appropriate on-site physician supervision, oversight and training. To learn more about ASDSA’s work to protect patients in all settings of care visit the link below.

#ASDSAdvocacy #medspasafety #patientsafety #boardcertifieddermatologists

Vermont Becomes "SUNucated"

Congratulations to Vermont on becoming the 29th jurisdiction (28 states and D.C.) to pass SUNucate allowing children access to sunscreen in schools and school-sponsored events and activities without a doctor's note or prescription.

“I congratulate Vermont on passing this important public health law for their students. Creating sun-safe behaviors early in life, like sunscreen use, is essential to preventing skin cancer. ASDSA looks forward to continuing to collaborate with its partners across the nation to advocate for SUNucate legislation to be adopted by all 50 states. We also hope that this sets an example for these states to adopt our model legislation.” – ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD

Click the link below to read the full press release.

#ASDSAdvocacy #SUNucate #SkinCancerPrevention

ASDSA Responds to CDC Investigation Linking HIV Cases to New Mexico Med Spa

“The results of the CDC’s investigation emphasize the growing patient safety concerns regarding the lack of regulation and proper oversight of medical spas/procedures. Patients deserve optimal safety in all settings when receiving medical procedures. We recommend that all patients visiting a medical spa ask: Who owns and operates the med spa? Who is performing the medical procedure and do they have the proper education, training and oversight. And is a physician present onsite?” – ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD

Visit the link in our below to see ASDSA’s statement regarding the CDC's report of the first known transmission of HIV through cosmetic injection services via contaminated blood.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #MedSpaSafetyAct #CDC #VampireFacial

CDC Links HIV Cases to Vampire Facials at Unlicensed Med Spa

Recent tragedies highlight the need for increased patient safety. The CDC recently investigated reported cases of HIV from vampire facials at an unlicensed Albuquerque medical spa.

Visit the link below for more information on our Medical Spa Safety Act.

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedSpaSafetyAct #PatientSafety

New York Times Highlights Counterfeit Botulinum Toxin Patient Risks

“Just because you walk into a treatment room and someone has a white coat on does not mean that they are a physician,” said Dr. Seth L. Matarasso, a cosmetic dermatologist and the president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

We urge patients when visiting a med spa to ask: Who owns and operates the med spa? Who is performing the medical procedure and do they have the proper education, training and oversight. When in doubt don't get the procedure.

ASDSA works to protect patients who visit med spas through the Medical Spa Safety Coalition. Visit the link below read the New York Times Article.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #CounterfeitBotox #CDC

Georgia Adopts Laser Safety Bill

Congratulations to Georgia for adopting patient safety protections highlighted in ASDSA's Patients/Physicians United for Laser Safety and Efficacy (PULSE) model bill.

This law expands upon the definition of ‘cosmetic laser services’ and removes inaccurate claims these medical procedures are not the practice of medicine.

Visit the link below for more information on PULSE.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #PULSE #LaserSafety

Patient Safety Alert: Counterfeit Botulinum Toxin Found in Multiple States

The CDC advises consulting a physician or going to the emergency room immediately if patients have any symptoms of botulism, including:

• Blurry or double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Muscle weakness

If you experience these symptoms or are a physician who encounters any patients seeking medical care for adverse reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections, please report them to the Cutaneous Procedures Adverse Events Reporting (CAPER) Registry

ASDSA to Call on States to Step Up and Protect Patients Following Adverse Incidents

Patients deserve safety for medical procedures in every setting.

“ASDSA takes the safety of patients very seriously, and we urge states to consider this in regulating medical practice in all settings of care. It is important to make sure all patients receive FDA approved products and not counterfeit or otherwise unsafe treatments. Lack of regulation and enforcement has enabled many to offer medical procedures for cosmetic purposes outside of their training and expertise.” – ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD

Visit the link below to read ASDSA’s full press and learn more.

#asdsadvocacy #patientsafety #MedSpaSafetyAct

ASDSA Responds to LA Times Article "She died after liposuction by a pediatrician. Doctors warn of cosmetic surgery’s ‘Wild West’"

Patients deserve to make informed decisions about from whom they receive medical treatment. This recent tragic patient death in CA highlights the dangers of physicians claiming treatments, conditions, or procedures outside the scope of their residency or fellowship training.

ASDSA supports patient safety by advocating for transparency in medical advertising and direct-to-patient interactions as it relates to physician board certification, physician specialization and subspecialization, and level of licensure. Visit the link below to see ASDSA’s statement regarding this tragedy.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #boardcertifieddermatologists

New CMS Requirement Limits Access to Cosmetic Medical Procedures

CMS issued a requirement in February for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) to submit prior claims for approval before providing certain medical procedures. The new requirement applies to 40 services related to five procedures, including botulinum toxin injections, eyelid lifts and varicose vein treatments. Medicare will cover the procedures as medical treatments, but billing for cosmetic purposes will be considered fraud. This requirement can create barriers to care for patients and add additional complications for physicians.

Visit the link below to learn more.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientAccess #Medicare #CMS

Make your voice heard!

Act now to call on Congress to protect patient access to physician care and reverse the 3.37% Medicare physician payment cut that went into effect January 1.

Without congressional action to reverse this cut, the lack of fair reimbursement and rising practice costs may force physicians to stop taking Medicare patients or possibly close their practices permanently. Visit the link below to act now.

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientAccess #MedicareReform #CalltoAction #StoptheCuts

ASDSA Member Fights Scope Creep in Missouri

Recognizing ASDSA Past President and Federal Affairs Work Group member George Hruza, MD, MBA who testified on behalf of patient safety against legislation in Missouri (MO) during a recent House Emerging Issues committee hearing. The bill would allow independent practice after 2000 hours of collaboration with a physician, elimination of geographic proximity and Schedule II prescribing authority for NPs. We applaud you for your work on behalf of patients.

Visit the link below to learn more about the proposed legislation

#ASDSAdvocacy #PatientSafety #BoardCertifiedDermatologist

No Tan is a Safe Tan

Recent celebrity posts on social media claim that tanning beds treat complex skin conditions like psoriasis. While board-certified dermatologists agree that UV phototherapy can be helpful in managing psoriasis, they agree that tanning beds are dangerous. According to dermatologists, indoor tanning before the age of 35 increases risk of developing life threatening skin cancer by 75%, including melanoma.

ASDSA supports increased regulations for indoor tanning, including a tanning ban on minors. We urge patients to visit a board certified dermatologist for all medical procedures of the skin. Click the link to learn more about ASDSA’s position on indoor tanning

#asdsadvocacy #patientsafety #boardcertifieddermatologist #indoortanning

Protect your health and safety!

Patients have purchased unsafe fat dissolving injections such as Aqualyx, Lipodissolve, Lipo Lab and Kabelline online, or have had access to them in med spas by unqualified personnel. These injections are not approved by the FDA and have been reported to cause adverse reactions to the skin such as scars, serious infections, skin deformities, cysts and deep, painful knots.

ASDSA recommends that patients consult with a board certified dermatologist if they are considering fat-dissolving treatment. Visit the link below to learn more!

#asdsadvocay #patientsafety #boardcertifieddermatologist #FDA # AdverseEvents #CAPER

NBC News Highlights Med Spa Safety Risks

“ASDSA welcomes attention about med spa patient safety reports, which highlight the need for increased oversight and regulations for med spas. We urge patients when visiting a med spa to ask: Who owns and operates the med spa? Who is performing the medical procedure and do they have the proper education, training and oversight. ASDSA recommends that states pass the Medical Spa Safety Act, which includes that a physician be onsite and immediately available should any complications occur.” – ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD

Check out the link for the full story.

#asdsadvocacy #NBCnews #boardcertifieddermatologists #patientsafety #dermsurgery #MedSpaSafetyAct

ASDSA Member Reminding Patients about Med Spa Safety

Patient safety is ASDSA's mission. We urge patients to visit a board certified dermatologist for all medical procedures of the skin. Visit asds.net/model-legislation for more information regarding our Medical Spa Safety Act.

#ASDSAdvocacy #MedSpaSafetyAct #patientsafety

Patients deserve optimal safety for medical procedures in all settings of care.

The ASDSA “Medical Spa Safety Act” calls for onsite physician supervision.

This recent tragic patient death in a TX medical spa highlights the need for increased medical spa safety, click the link to read more about ASDSA's patient safety efforts.

#ASDSAdvocacy #medspasafety #patientsafety #boardcertifieddermatologists

Congratulations to the 2023 ASDSA Top Advocates!

Thank you for your commitment to advocacy. Click the link below to read the press release! #topadvocate #ASDSAdovcacy

Pictured (left to right): ASDS/A President Seth Matarasso, MD, Top Advocates: Anthony Rossi, MD, Lawrence Green, MD, Divya Srivastava, MD, Kelley Redbord, MD, M. Laurin Council, MD, MBA, Shivani Tripathi, MD, and George Hruza, MD, MBA

Not pictured: Kyle Coleman, MD, Catherine DiGiorgio, MD, Sandra Johnson, MD, Rachel Kyllo, MD

New Studies Support Regulating Med Spas to Protect Patients

New research supports physician involvement in medical spas to protect patient safety.

• “Who Is Holding the Syringe? A Survey of Truth in Advertising Among Medical Spas” revealed that non-physicians perform most cosmetic medical procedures at med spas often without patients’ knowledge of the significant variation in medical supervision and training.
• “Evaluating Public Perceptions of Cosmetic Procedures in the Medical Spa and Physician's Office Settings: A Large-scale Survey,” highlights patient safety concerns at medical spas without physician involvement and linked lower physician involvement to higher complication rates in certain cosmetic procedures.

These findings highlight the importance of public protection measures, such as ASDSA’s “Medical Spa Safety Act” to ensure patient safety and proper oversight of care in medical spas. Read the full press release to learn more – link below! #asdsadvocacy #boardcertifieddermatologists #patientsafety #dermsurgery #MedSpaSafetyAct

ASDSA Fights Back Against Scope Creep in Massachusetts

Recognizing ASDSA members Catherine DiGiorgio, MD, and past President Mathew Avram, MD, JD, who testified on behalf of patient safety against legislation in Massachusetts (MA) that would allow dental hygienists to administer Botox and fillers during a recent MA Joint Committee on Public Health hearing. See ASDSA’s joint letter opposing the legislation at the link below. #PatientSafety #ASDSAdvocacy #boardcertifieddermatologist

States Debate Expanding Non-Physician Authority

Did you know that education & supervision requirements for a non-physician to be allowed to perform medical procedures vary widely by state? ASDSA supports patient safety by advocating for direct physician supervision of medical procedures and transparency in medical advertising and direct-to-patient interactions. Learn more at asds.net/position-statements

Do you know who is performing your medical procedures?

New Mexico’s Department of Health has linked new HIV cases to ‘vampire facials’ from to Albuquerque med spa.

Patient safety is ASDSA's mission. We urge patients to visit a board certified dermatologist for all medical procedures of the skin and encourage states to pass ASDSA's Medical Spa Safety Act to protect patients who visit med spas. Visit asds.net/model-legislation for more information regarding our Medical Spa Safety Act.

FDA adds safety-related information to its dermal filler webpage

"Having filler injected should be considered a medical procedure, not a cosmetic treatment." - FDA Dermal Fillers Webpage

#ASDSAdvocacy #DermalFillers #Dermatologist #AdverseEvents #PatientSafety #SideEffects #FDA

Transgender Health Restrictions Blocked By Courts

Learn more about recent gender-affirming care bans in Forbes.

Scope of Practice Among Top 2023 Patient Safety Concerns

In a recent report by the Emergency Care Research Institute, the fourth highest patient safety concern for 2023 is the “impact on clinicians expected to work outside their scope of practice and competencies.” ASDSA supports physician-led care. Compare non-physician experience and make an informed choice about who is providing your care.

What to Know About the Kind of Skin Cancer Biden was Treated For

ASDSA Member Jenny Kim, MD, discusses President Biden’s recent Mohs surgery and what to know about basal cell carcinoma skin cancer with The Washington Post.

Whom do you want treating you?

91% of patients say a physician's education and training are vital for optimal care. Compare their training to non-physicians' experience, and make an informed choice about your provider.

Every procedure — including a dermal filler injection procedure — carries risks. However, a new study shows those risks are extremely rare when that procedure is performed by a board-certified dermatologist.

The study, “Serious Adverse Events with Injectable Fillers,” published in the February 2022 issue of Dermatologic Surgery provides a retrospective analysis of 7,659 patient outcomes spanning 11 years for 3 board-certified dermatologists. Only four serious adverse events were identified between January 2009 and August 2020, and all resolved after treatment without long-term effects.

If you are considering dermal fillers and injectables, they should only be injected by “properly trained physicians.” This training, according to our policy statement, should include:

• Extensive understanding of cutaneous medicine and the aging face
• Knowledge of the various FDA-approved injectable products and their indications
• Experience in injection techniques appropriate to the products
• Knowledge of pre- and post-procedure care involved in treatment

Each year, ASDSA recognizes individuals or organizations for assuming a leadership role in the promotion and protection of patient safety. Nominees are honored for their vital participation in a campaign focused on patient safety that raises awareness of ASDSA's advocacy priorities and demonstrates a model for success. Awardees are nominated by fellow ASDSA members and are announced each year at the ASDS/ASDSA Annual Meeting. The deadline for nomination letters is Aug. 1. Nominations can be emailed to advocacy@asds.net.

Check your inboxes for a safety alert from ASDSA regarding the FDA safety communication on the Renuvion / J-plasma device. You can also click the link in our bio to learn more about this important communication by clicking the link below.

A new study in the journal Dermatologic Surgery analyzes cases of liability claims due to a cutaneous laser surgery device that took place in the United States from 2012 to 2020. Of the 69 cases of liability claims due to a cutaneous laser surgery device between 2012 and 2020, 49 (71%) involved a non-physician operator. Laser hair removal was most litigated (44 cases, 64%), followed by laser skin rejuvenation (20 cases, 30%). If you’ve been injured during laser surgery, share your experience on social media (tag @ASDSAdvocacy). Authentic patient stories help elected officials understand why this issue is so important. Photos of laser injuries shared on social media can help prompt national attention to the issue and encourage change. #lasersurgery #dermatology #dermatologicsurgery #liabilityclaims #medspa #laserhairremoval #laserskinrejuvenation #laserinjury #advocacy

Looking to participate in ASDSA’s Federal Virtual Fly-in but don’t know where to start? Join moderator Larry Green, MD, as he speaks with Federal Affairs Work Group Chair and Vice Chair Brian Petersen, MD, and George Hruza, MD, on March 21 at 7:30pm CT for Federal Virtual Fly-in 101! Learn how to schedule a meeting with your legislator in their district office, prep for the meeting itself and how to follow-up afterwards. Email advocacy@asds.net for more information or to register!

All Advocacy Ambassadors and State Dermatological Society leaders are encouraged to join ASDSA on Feb. 22 for an ASDSA Advocacy Update. ASDSA member Seemal Desai, MD, will moderate a discussion with our ASDSA Work Group leaders from State, Federal and Policy Priorities. Additionally we want to hear from our advocacy ambassadors and state derm society leaders about what is happening in their states. If you’re interested in becoming an Advocacy Ambassador, visit the link below.

ASDSA is excited to announce a new public service program for members. The Sun Hero program, launched by Amy Brodsky, MD, and sponsored by CeraVe and LaRoche Posay, supports ASDSA’s SUNucate initiative by providing members with the tools needed to teach sun-safe behavior in schools throughout the U.S.

Join us on Dec. 29 as we review changes in the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Dermatologic Surgeons.

The first step in avoiding “bad Botox”? See a board-certified dermatologist. Check the link below for the New Beauty story on avoiding bad Botox and steps patients can take to protect themselves.

Patient safety is our priority. Seek out a board certified dermatologist for your cosmetic medical procedures.

We must stabilize Medicare payments for patients. ASDSA grassroots advocacy helped garner 247 bipartisan Congressional signers for this push. It is crucial, especially during COVID, to ensure physicians can keep their doors open and continue seeing patients.

ASDSA applauds @fda for their action on needle-less devices, especially those proliferating on social media amongst children. Patient safety is our top concern.

Patient safety is ASDSA’s top priority and we have been sounding the alarm to the @FDA and the public on the dangers of “hyaluron pens” and other needle-less devices that inject dermal fillers and today @FDA issued a safety communication on devices.

@FDA is holding a stakeholder call TODAY with Acting Commissioner, Janet Woodcock, MD and Director, Office of Nonprescription Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Theresa Michele, MD, to discuss steps the Agency has taken to improve the quality, safety, and efficacy of sunscreens. Check the link in our bio to join the Zoom meeting at 4:30 p.m. ET!

Today @FDA announced steps they’re taking to improve the safety, quality and efficacy of OTC #sunscreen. ASDSA supports access to sunscreen, especially for children, with our #SUNucate model legislation that allows for sunscreen use in school without a doctor’s note or prescription.