CBS ConsumerWatch
Mar 29, 2006 4:32 pm US/Pacific
State Medical Board Tips On Laser Hair Removal
To report complaints about medical procedures being performed by unlicensed individuals, or to check a practitioner’s credentials, call the Medical Board of California’s toll-free hotline: 1-800-633-2322.
We asked the Medical Board of California about how laser treatments are regulated in the state. Here is their response:
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Who regulates the clinics and day spas that perform laser treatments?
Unless they provide medical services to an extent that puts them under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health Services, they would only require a business license which is required by the city or county where the business is located. If the business is owned by a physician and he/she is using a name other than his/her own, a Fictitious Name Permit is also required (from the Medical Board of California). -
In California is a doctor required to be at the location where the treatments are performed?
Mid-level practitioners (physician assistants and registered nurses) practicing under the general supervision of a physician may do so without the physician being on sight. However, the physician must be immediately reachable, e.g. by telephone. -
Who is able to perform laser treatments?
Physicians and physician assistants and registered nurses under the supervision of a physician may perform these treatments. “Under the supervision” means that the mid-level practitioner must work with the physician under specific protocols and cannot exceed their scope of practice. -
What training is required?
There is no specific training beyond what is required to obtain licensure. However, the Medical Board strongly encourages all practitioners to obtain specific training.