NEWARK -- The Attorney General's Office and Division of Consumer Affairs have reached a settlement with the owner of a Basking Ridge spa and three members of her family after they admitted offering to provide medical, cosmetology and counseling services while not licensed to do so, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Stephen Nolan announced today.

The state's complaint, filed in May, 2006, alleged Judith Page (a/k/a Judith Yorio), Kiyosha Watts and Courtney Yorio each falsely represented themselves as professionals in the medical, social work, and cosmetology fields and violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.

“Proper licensing assures consumers that they are entrusting their care to properly trained and educated professionals who meet state standards. Unlicensed practice is illegal, puts consumers at unnecessary risk and is an insult to bonafide healthcare providers,” Acting Attorney General Milgram said.

“Because these individuals masqueraded as various professionals, we took a multi-board approach to resolve this case and to get restitution for affected consumers,” Acting Director Nolan said.

The state boards of Medical Examiners, Cosmetology and Hairstyling, Psychological Examiners, Social Work Examiners, Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners and the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee were also plaintiffs.

Under the terms of the settlement, Page, Watts, and Courtney Yorio are prohibited from engaging in the unlicensed practice of medicine and surgery, counseling and/or mental health services, and cosmetology.

The defendants are permanently barred from engaging in or advertising the performance of any mental health counseling services; and the performance of facials, microdermabrasion, glycolic peels, examining and diagnosing patients, recommending dietary supplements, administering Botox, Mesotherapy, and/or Restylane injections

The state ordered a total amount of $113,272.50 in restitution to approximately 80 affected consumers and $57,500 in investigative costs and civil monetary penalties.

“We hold all licensed professionals to the highest level of integrity,” Acting Director Nolan said. "Consumers should always call to check with Consumer Affairs to ensure that their doctors, psychologists, and cosmetologists and any mental health counselor are licensed and in good standing before undergoing any procedures.”

The defendants admitted to engaging in the unlicensed practice of a variety of medical, cosmetology and counseling services that are regulated by the state and can only be performed by licensed practitioners.

This is not the first time the state has taken legal action against Page. Page previously was barred from holding herself out as a social worker and from offering psychotherapeutic counseling services unless certified or licensed to do so. Under the terms of a March 3, 1997 consent order, Page was ordered to pay restitution, investigative costs and penalties.

Deputy Attorney General Susan C. Berger of the Division of Law is handling this case for the state.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is encouraging clients of Roberta Medi-Spa who received cosmetology, counseling and/or medical services from the defendants to contact the Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-504-6327.

###