Who Can Perform Laser Hair Removal in California? A Guide for Medical Professionals

California's sunny climate has given rise to a booming medical spa industry. For the entrepreneurial doctor in the Golden State, one option is to hire a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to perform laser treatments. This will help manage the examination part and alleviate any supervisory issues. Medical spas offer a variety of services, such as laser hair removal, spider veins removal, and tattoo removal.

However, not all employees are allowed to perform these procedures. According to California law, only a licensed doctor or someone under their direct supervision can carry out procedures that involve lasers and other intense pulsed light devices.

Laser hair removal

is still one of the top 5 non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the United States. Medical malpractice lawyers advise against delaying the examination of a patient before performing laser hair removal or any other laser treatment. Offering an optional aesthetic service to laser patients does not mean that different rules apply when practicing medicine. To gain an understanding of laser hair removal, my business partner and I decided to observe how other laser hair removal clinics in California operate.

It is important to note that even if someone is a certified laser technician, they may not be authorized to fire lasers in California. As expected, Med Spa patients are admitted without an appointment, evaluated by registered nurses, and have laser treatments scheduled on the spot. Most never see a doctor. As long as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the medical industry in the United States, laser treatments must be performed by licensed professionals. Laser hair removal is no different than performing any other medical intervention on a person.

The registered nurse will not be able to make the proper adjustments with the laser if they are unaware of any recent tanning sessions. It is essential for medical professionals in California to understand the legal requirements for performing laser hair removal treatments. To ensure that you are compliant with state laws, it is important to hire a licensed doctor or someone under their direct supervision to perform these procedures. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all patients are properly examined before undergoing any laser treatment. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your medical spa is compliant with California law and provide safe and effective treatments for your patients.