A bipartisan package of bills was introduced in Michigan to regulate freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities, making the state the first in the U.S. to require licensing, inspections, and accreditation. This legislative move follows a fatal hyperbaric chamber explosion in January 2025 that killed 5-year-old Thomas Cooper. Under the proposed laws, hyperbaric oxygen chambers in wellness centers, medical spas, and other standalone facilities would be subject to strict safety oversight. The Oxford Center, where the incident occurred, had been offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children with autism and other conditions, but safety protocols were allegedly disregarded, leading to criminal charges against the owner and employees. The legislation aims to prevent such tragedies by establishing clear operational standards for hyperbaric oxygen chamber facilities across the state.
