Passaic County Spa Owner Agrees to $10,000 Fine, 10-Year Ban for Practicing Medicine Without License

Rasha Abdul N. Basuf resolves allegations of unlicensed medical practices at Skyn Spa by accepting penalties and a business ban in New Jersey.

Clifton, N.J. – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that Rasha Abdul N. Basuf, owner of the now-closed Skyn Spa in Passaic County, has agreed to pay a $10,000 civil penalty and accept a 10-year ban on operating a skin care specialty spa in New Jersey. This agreement resolves allegations that Basuf unlawfully provided invasive aesthetic treatments that only licensed medical professionals are authorized to perform.

Key Details:

• Who: Rasha Abdul N. Basuf, owner of Skyn Spa in Clifton, N.J.
• What: Agreed to a $10,000 civil penalty and a 10-year business ban.
• When: Allegations stem from activities between March and December 2023; agreement announced today.
• Where: Skyn Spa, Clifton, N.J.
• Why: Basuf provided medical-grade aesthetic treatments without the necessary licenses.
• How: Entered a consent order with the State Board of Medical Examiners and the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.

“No matter how elegant or professionally staffed a ‘med-spa’ may appear, without proper supervision and guidance from licensed, authorized medical personnel, consumers may be exposed to dangerous treatments that could have serious long-term consequences,” said Attorney General Platkin. “As the med-spa industry continues to grow and evolve, we will continue to investigate and hold accountable individuals providing aesthetic services they are neither licensed nor qualified to perform.”

“We urge the public to thoroughly vet the professional credentials of practitioners before undergoing any invasive beauty treatments, especially when the treatments are offered at discount or ‘club’ prices,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “If you suspect someone is providing medical or cosmetic services without a license, please let us know. As the action announced today illustrates, a single tip can help us put a stop to unlawful activities that pose a serious threat to the public.”

Details of the Case:

An investigation prompted by a public tip revealed that Basuf, who lacks both a cosmetology and medical license, was providing services at Skyn Spa that exceeded what was permitted under the spa’s skin care specialty license. These services included Botox and dermal filler injections, body contouring, laser hair removal, and various other treatments that require professional medical training and licensing.

Findings:

• March 2023: The Division's Enforcement Bureau conducted an inspection and found that Skyn Spa was offering unauthorized services.
• April 2023: Skyn Spa applied for a skin care specialty shop license, which was granted in June 2023 after the removal of medical equipment.
• December 2023: A follow-up inspection found that unauthorized services had resumed.

Consent Order:

Under the consent order, Basuf and Skyn Spa are prohibited from advertising or providing any medical or cosmetology services that require a license. Basuf is also barred from seeking a skin care specialty shop license for ten years and must pay civil penalties totaling $10,000, divided between the Medical Board and the Cosmetology Board.

Enforcement Actions:

This case is part of a broader effort to halt unlicensed medical practices in spa settings. Other recent actions include:

• Carolina Nunez: Paid $22,500 in civil penalties for similar violations in Union, N.J.
• Marisol Cabrera: Fined $17,650 for exceeding her professional license in Union Township, N.J.
• Isabella Dos Santos: Agreed to a $20,000 penalty and a five-year suspension of her massage license in Elizabeth, N.J.

Patient Guidance:

Patients who suspect they have received unlicensed medical treatment can file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200.

Legal Representation:

The case against Basuf was handled by Deputy Attorneys General Stacy-Ann T. Davy and Michelle Mikelberg, supervised by Chief Doreen Hafner of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section within the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group.