CBS News New York reported that authorities charged a man with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice after a woman died following an NAD+ treatment at a Bronx lifestyle center.
Criminal Complaint Alleges Unlicensed Treatment at Bronx Lifestyle Center
On July 21, 2026, CBS News New York reported that authorities charged Luis Rojas Cabrera with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession after a 27-year-old woman died following treatment at Bereshit Lifestyle Center in the Bronx. CBS News New York reported that the criminal complaint alleges Cabrera administered an NAD+ injection and was not licensed to practice medicine in New York. The allegations involve practitioner licensure and the administration of wellness treatments, two areas with compliance implications for Med Spa operators.
News Report Details Criminal Complaint Allegations as New York Continues Med Spa Oversight
As reported by CBS News New York, authorities charged Luis Rojas Cabrera with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession following the death of a 27-year-old woman who received treatment at Bereshit Lifestyle Center in the Bronx. The report states that the criminal complaint alleges Cabrera administered an NAD+ injection despite not being licensed to practice medicine in New York.
The news report further alleges that Cabrera represented himself as a physician before providing the treatment. CBS News New York also detailed that the woman became unresponsive, was transported to a nearby hospital, and was later pronounced dead. As of this reporting, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet determined the official cause of death.
The criminal case comes as New York agencies continue broader oversight of Med Spa and aesthetic businesses. In a separate report published on July 22, CBS News New York stated that New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley is overseeing an ongoing investigation into Med Spas. The report states that investigators have completed more than 337 investigations, issued 24 emergency closure orders, and revoked 16 business licenses after allegedly discovering expired and counterfeit drugs and products, as well as fentanyl.
The statewide enforcement activity follows a multi-agency initiative launched in February, during which state regulators cited 87 Med Spa establishments after inspecting 223 businesses offering cosmetic medical services.
Source: CBS News New York
According to CBS News New York, the criminal complaint alleges that Luis Rojas Cabrera administered an NAD+ injection treatment at Bereshit Lifestyle Center despite not being licensed to practice medicine in New York. The report also cites information from the New York City Police Department and the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Compliance Context for Practitioner Licensure and Scope of Practice
The criminal complaint, as referenced by CBS News New York, alleges unauthorized practice of a profession and reckless endangerment. The news report also states that Cabrera’s website identified him as “M.D. Surgeon” and “Naturopath.” CBS News New York further reported that Cabrera allegedly told police he was a doctor in the Dominican Republic and a physician assistant in Puerto Rico. Court records cited in the report state that he is not licensed to practice medicine in New York and does not hold a New York medical license.
In New York, the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions establishes physician licensure requirements and oversees professional practice standards. New York Education Law Article 131 limits the practice of medicine to individuals who hold a valid New York medical license, while New York Education Law § 6512 prohibits the unauthorized practice of a licensed profession.
Similar questions involving practitioner licensure, clinical oversight, and scope of practice have also arisen in other jurisdictions, including the Texas case that led to Jenifer’s Law, where criminal charges followed the death of a patient after IV therapy at a Med Spa.
The New York case also comes amid the state’s ongoing multi-agency oversight of Med Spa and aesthetic businesses, with recent inspections and enforcement involving practitioner licensure, business operations, and the delivery of medically regulated services. Businesses offering anti-aging, injectable, IV wellness, and other medically regulated services remain subject to applicable licensure, supervision, and scope-of-practice requirements under New York law.
Practical and Operational Considerations for Med Spa Operators
- Confirm practitioner licensure, credentials, and scope of practice before medically regulated services are provided.
- Maintain accurate provider titles, credentials, and representations across websites, marketing materials, and patient communications.
- Review medical oversight, delegation, and supervision requirements applicable to injectable and IV wellness services under state law.
- Document patient assessments, clinical rationale, informed consent, treatment records, and follow-up in accordance with applicable laws and professional standards.
- Establish emergency response procedures and staff training for adverse events involving injectable, IV wellness, and other medically regulated treatments.
What to Watch Next
The criminal charges remain pending, and the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet determined the official cause of death at the time of this reporting. Future court proceedings or agency actions from New York authorities may provide additional information regarding the allegations, practitioner licensure, and the state’s ongoing oversight of Med Spa and wellness businesses.
About Spakinect
Spakinect provides compliance infrastructure and telehealth-supported supervision solutions for medical aesthetic practices. For additional information, see our website.
Image Attribution: “Bronx County Courthouse” by Sapphire Williams, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal.
