Educational Recommendations for Laser Use by Non-Physicians

1. Individual performing procedures should be a licensed medical professional and carry adequate malpractice insurance.
2. Individuals should be trained appropriately in laser physics, tissue interaction, safety, clinical application, and pre- and post operative care of the laser patient.
3. Prior to the initiation of any patient care activity the individual should read and sign the policies and procedures of the facility at which the laser procedures are to be performed.
4. Continuing education of all licensed medical professionals should be mandatory and made available with reasonable frequency including courses offered outside the office setting) to help insure adequate performance.  Credit hour requirements will be determined by the state, and/or individual facility.
5. A minimum of TEN procedures of precepted training are recommended for each procedure and laser type to assess competency.  Participation in all training programs, acquisition of new skills and number of hours spent in maintaining proficiency should be well documented.
6. After demonstrating competency to act alone, the designated licensed medical professional may perform limited laser treatments on specific patients as directed by the supervising physician.

The aforementioned devices refer to those classified by the FDA as Class IIIb or Class IV devices.

(Please also refer to the Principles for Non-Physician Laser Use)

Approved by the Board of Directors
American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
August 2, 2012

Reviewed by the Safety Awareness Committee in 2020