CAPsules Editions / Articles

Performance of Laser Therapy Prohibited
from the CAP Education/ CME Committee
Malcolm D. Paul, M.D.,
Chair

The California Medical Association has received numerous inquiries about whether a non-physician may use a laser to remove hair from the human body, or to remove or reduce wrinkles, scars, moles, or other blemishes, such as tattoos. The Medical Board of California, citing California licensing rules and Regulations, has opined that laser therapy, or use of other intense pulse light devices, constitutes the practice of medicine as it is the treatment of a physical condition, accomplished by removing one or more layers of the skin.

California law allows only licensed physicians, registered nurses (RNs) or physician assistants (PAs) to use lasers. RNs and PAs, however, may use these devices only under physician supervision, following appropriate standing orders or protocols.

Medical office personnel, including certified medical assistants, cosmetologists, electrologists and/or estheticians may not diagnose or treat (i.e., perform any task that is invasive or requires assessment, interpretation, or decision-making) except when such tasks are explicitly permitted by law and their license.

The availability of technologically advanced, relatively low-cost and simple-to-use medical devices, including lasers, has prompted many physicians to offer these popular services, including hair and blemish removal, in their offices. While laser therapy may provide increased revenue, with relatively low patient safety risks, the Medical Board's warning deserves attention. For more information, contact CMA ON-CALL, fax service (800) 592-4CMA (-4262), on-line www.cmanet.org, or contact CAP Risk Management at (800) 252- 7706, or on-line at www.cap-mpt.com.

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