The death of a 5-year-old boy in Michigan during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment at the Oxford Center in Troy has sparked calls for regulation of medical spas and wellness centers. The incident highlighted the lack of oversight and safety regulations for hyperbaric oxygen therapy programs in the state. The FDA only authorizes the use of hyperbaric chambers for specific conditions, but the Oxford Center was treating a wide range of ailments not approved by the FDA, leading to criminal charges against the CEO and three employees. The lack of UHMS accreditation and physician oversight at the Oxford Center raised concerns about safety standards.
Currently, there are only two accredited hyperbaric oxygen therapy sites in Michigan, highlighting the lack of regulation and safety standards in the industry. Industry leaders are calling for more stringent regulations, including creating a registry of businesses operating hyperbaric chambers, mandating accreditation through UHMS, and requiring a certified physician on-site during treatments. Hyperbaric chamber fires are rare but almost always fatal when they occur. The tragedy that occurred at the Oxford Center has brought attention to the need for increased oversight and safety measures in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy industry to prevent future incidents and protect vulnerable patients.
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