The Medical Board of California (MBC) is actively cracking down on clinics in Los Angeles Koreatown that are primarily operated by administrative managers. These clinics are often run by managers who use the names of licensed practitioners to operate the business.
According to the local Korean medical community, MBC, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and law enforcement agencies, has been investigating unlicensed procedures and the use of unauthorized products, particularly at Korean-run skin care clinics.
Two weeks ago, law enforcement agents reportedly raided a well-known skin care clinic in Koreatown, where all staff members were questioned. A neighboring business owner who operates a skincare shop said, “Several people who appeared to be police showed up in the parking lot and went back and forth to the medical spa for hours. Everyone was shocked.”
Witnesses said investigators separated the clinic’s manager and staff members for questioning. The investigation focused on verifying the presence of licensed physicians, checking for unlicensed practitioners, and examining whether unauthorized skin care products were being used.
A representative from the clinic confirmed the visit, saying, “It’s true that the investigation was conducted at the request of the MBC. However, the rumors about unlicensed practitioners are false. The issue was the use of Botox that had been approved in Korea but not in the U.S.”
Sources within the medical community have reported that MBC and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have recently investigated about five Korean-run skin care clinics.
A representative from a local medical group said, “Clinics are required to have licensed medical professionals, such as medical doctors (MDs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), on-site. However, in some clinics, nurses are performing cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers under the direction of non-medical managers.”
According to MBC, while there is no requirement for a physician to be physically present at the clinic, registered nurses (RNs) and NPs must follow medical regulations and only perform procedures under a doctor’s supervision.
MBC emphasized that procedures such as Botox and fillers must be administered by medical professionals, including RNs, NPs, physician assistants (PAs), or MDs. Additionally, nurses performing these procedures must adhere to standardized procedures set by medical guidelines.
When asked about unlicensed procedures, MBC spokesperson Aaron Bone said, “Patients should verify a clinic’s registration and the qualifications of medical staff through online resources before receiving treatment. If a complaint is filed regarding physician malpractice or unlicensed procedures, our investigators will conduct in-person visits and carry out a thorough investigation.”
Paul Chang, president of the Southern California Korean American Medical Association, added, “Clinics are required to display physicians’ licenses, diplomas, and credentials in a visible location. However, since it is difficult to detect unlicensed procedures or the use of unauthorized Botox or fillers, it is essential for patients to thoroughly research the clinic before visiting.”
Meanwhile, MBC advises the public to report any suspected misuse of unauthorized medical products by clinics to the California Department of Consumer Affairs at its website (www.dca.ca.gov).
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
