International Medical Spa Association Ratifies NCEA Definition of Medical Spa

Union City, NJ - April 21st, 2004- The International Medical Spa Association (IMSA) announced that at its bi-annual meeting in New York, the membership voted to approve the definition of the term "Medical Spa" created by the National Coalition of Esthetic Related Associations (NCEA) during its January 2004 meeting in Orlando. The NCEA is comprised of 16 member associations that represent estheticians, massage therapists, doctors, spa owners, and related spa industry professionals. (www.ncea.tv)

"The NCEA definition is based upon a submission from the IMSA", said Hannelore Leavy, executive director of the IMSA. "We are proud of the role our association played in creating this important industry standard. The spa industry made a mistake by never adopting a unified definition for the term "spa" and "day spa". The medical spa industry has now avoided the same mistake."

The National Coalition of Esthetic Related Associations definition of a medical spa reads as follows:

Representing the International Medical Spa Association at the NCEA meeting was the Association's president Eric Light. "Having a clear definition agreed to by such a broad spectrum of organizations is a major step forward for the medical spa industry. When you combine the words "medical" and "spa" the level of responsibility - and liability - go up significantly. This industry standard will help all of us provide consumers with the best and safest treatments possible."

The definition has now been presented to every state medical and cosmetology board for their consideration. The goal of both, the IMSA and the NCEA, is to have states adopt this as the basis for any industry regulations they create.

The International Medical Spa Association membership is comprised of doctors, dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, spa owners, product and equipment manufacturers, industry consultants, physical therapists, nutritionists, registered nurses, estheticians, massage therapists, and body workers. To learn more about The International Medical Association goals and membership, please visit www.medicalspaassociation.org or call 201-865-2065.