Jenifer’s Law (HB 3749), aimed at enhancing the safety of medical spas in Texas, has been officially filed by Rep. Angelia Orr. Medical spas are entities outside a physician’s primary office where cosmetic medical procedures using medical grade products and services are performed. This is a rapidly growing industry, but there are few rules or regulations to standardize safety procedures. Jenifer’s Law enhances the eligibility, training, availability, and duties of a medical spa director, as well as the proper training of physician and non-physician care providers.
In July 2023, a Texas wife and mother, Jenifer Cleveland, tragically lost her life due to complications from a misadministered IV therapy treatment from a medical spa in Freestone County. Following a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the facility where Mrs.
Cleveland received this treatment lacked adequate medical training. Even more, the medical director linked to the spa conducted his base of operations more than 100 miles away, a distance making necessary, direct medical supervision impossible.
“This is personal for our district as a tragedy has already struck. It’s now our responsibility to prevent more Texans from needlessly suffering from poor medical practices,” said Orr. “Many medical spas already have the proper safety procedures in place, but we need to hold everyone to the same standard. I look forward to advocating for this legislation until it makes it to Governor Abbott’s desk.”
Rep. Orr is currently serving in her second term as State Representative and as the Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee dealing with health and human services funding (Article II). Orr spent her first term advocating for improved medical services for rural Texans, including rural hospitals, maternal health, unborn babies, and mental health. House District 13 includes Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Leon, and Limestone Counties and a portion of McLennan County.
