States outside of California, such as Oregon, do not have regulations in place to keep pace with the fast-growing medical-laser industry, which could leave consumers at risk of injury from skin treatments. The Oregon Health Licensing Agency has received recently more than 30 complaints alleging injuries from lasers.
The Oregon state Board of Cosmetology will take its first steps to address the issue on October 14, 2013. Spurred by consumer-safety concerns, the Oregon board is set to consider whether to temporarily ban cosmetologists from performing most laser procedures until state regulations — which only exist at the moment for laser hair removal — can be approved.
However, in California, only medical professionals can use lasers. Under the California Medical Practice Act, Physicians may use lasers or intense pulse light devices. In addition, physician assistants and registered nurses (not licensed vocational nurses) may perform these treatments under a physician’s supervision. Unlicensed medical assistants, licensed vocational nurses, cosmetologists, electrologists, or estheticians may not legally perform these treatments under any circumstance, nor may registered nurses or physician assistants perform them independently, without supervision.
Visit here to review answers to frequently asked questions regarding the use of lasers, dermabrators, and botox, among other treatments.