Can Nurses Perform Laser Hair Removal in California?

Some of the most popular services available at medi-spas are laser hair removal, spider veins removal, and tattoo removal. However, not all employees can perform these procedures. Under California law, only a licensed doctor or someone under their direct supervision can carry out procedures that include lasers and other intense pulsed light devices. Before you start, it is important to understand the California medical spa laws and requirements to avoid costly delays and interruptions in your business operations.

We have recently seen several estheticians cited by the Barber and Cosmetology Board, as well as several doctors by the California Medical Board for not following these rules, simply because doctors and estheticians are not familiar with the details of state laws. To become a laser hair removal nurse, it is necessary to have several qualifications, such as an associate degree or a degree in nursing, a professional certification, additional training in laser hair removal and medical aesthetics, empathy and patience, along with strong communication skills. Some of the services offered by medical spas include skin tightening, injectable dermal fillers, non-surgical fat reduction procedures, acne treatments, laser hair removal, and Botox treatments, among others. California law states that only a licensed physician or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician can perform procedures that include lasers and other intense pulsed light devices.

It's important to understand that even if a person is a so-called certified laser technician, they are not necessarily authorized to fire lasers in California. Entrepreneurs who are not familiar with the state's business laws may face challenges regarding the requirements of medical spas in California.

Popular Medical Spa Services

Popular medical spa services include skin tightening, injectable dermal fillers, non-surgical procedures to reduce fat, acne treatments, laser hair removal, and Botox treatments. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure in which nurses and other medical personnel permanently remove hair from certain parts of the body for aesthetic or medical reasons.

California Regulations

We've seen that in California, many laser centers allow people who don't fit into these categories, who are usually laser technicians, to shoot lasers. Common services offered at Med-Spas include Botox injections, laser hair removal procedures, and microdermabrasion, all of which require supervision by a licensed physician.

Usually, permanent hair removal requires several sessions, and you advise patients about personal care between visits.

The Size of the Medical Aesthetic Market

Due to the size of the medical aesthetic market in the state, the California Hairdressing and Cosmetology Board tends to set rules for other regulatory agencies in the country, so even if your medical spa is not located in the Golden State, it's worth paying attention to what's going on there to know what might happen in your area.

Certification for Laser Hair Removal Nurses

While each state has different regulations regarding laser operators, nurses qualified in laser hair removal have a certification from a professional organization such as the Association of Dermatological Nurses. Their responsibilities include explaining the procedure to the patient, calibrating lasers and other equipment before the procedure, and monitoring the patient's vital signs and reactions during hair removal. It is essential for entrepreneurs to understand all of the regulations surrounding medical spas in California before they start their business.

This includes understanding who is allowed to perform laser hair removal procedures and what qualifications they need. It is also important for entrepreneurs to be aware of any changes in regulations that may affect their business operations.