Las Vegas spa death spurs Nevada to issue health guidelines for cryotherapy

LAS VEGAS -- Nevada has created health guidelines for cryotherapy after a Las Vegas spa worker was found dead in a tank that subjects users to subzero temperatures, a treatment that experts say has been growing in popularity but is largely unregulated and whose benefits aren't proven.

Dr. Tracey Green, the state's chief medical officer, says the guidelines from the health department recommend that the machines cannot be used by minors under 18, those under 5 feet tall and anyone with certain health conditions. The guidelines take effect Friday.

The state also will ask cryotherapy centers to provide proper training and signage and obtain user waivers. Emergency kits and a defibrillator also should be on site.

Green said the state will work with businesses but the guidelines won't come with penalties.