Investigators Expanding Monarch Med Spa Probe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded its investigation into procedures at Monarch Med Spa, the elective surgery center in Timonium where a patient died from an infection caused by liposuction surgery.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Baltimore County shut down the center on Sept. 1 after discovering that three patients had received severely invasive Group A Streptococcus infections.

“Because there are also Monarch Med Spa facilities in other states, the investigation has expanded,” according to a release. “A coordinated effort with Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is underway. The status of the Maryland investigation is ongoing, and to date, no additional Maryland cases have been identified.”  

Investigators are seeking public comment and insight on "potential approaches to oversight of these facilities," according to the release. "Cosmetic surgery centers in Maryland are not currently subject to state licensure."

For more information about how to submit comments, click here.  

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