Polices and Procedures:

Notice: Some states necessitate certain boards such as the Board Of Medicine, Radiation Board, Cosmetology and/or Electrology Boards for recommendations or requirements to operate a laser for hair removal and/or Laser's / IPL's in general.

Inquire what your state, local and medical requirements are before submitting your application for training.

In the state of IDAHO the Idaho Board of Medical Examiners recommends (not requires) a laser operator to be under the personal and responsible supervision of a Idaho licensed physician. The physician does not need to be on-site, however the state requires that the laser application is a prescriptive procedure and the clinics medical director dictates prior assessment of the patient.

 

Intense Pulsed Light and/or Laser Devices

  Investigation of Practices
 

During a recent investigation by the Idaho State Board of Medicine, it was determined that some facilities are advertising and utilizing intense pulsed light and/or laser devices for treatments such as hair removal.

The Medical Practice Act, Idaho Code §54-1804 0) creates an exemption from medical licensure only with regard to the use of Class I or Class II, non-prescriptive, approved, medical devices.

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified intense pulsed light and some laser devices as Class II prescriptive devices and other laser devices as Class III devices. Class II intense pulsed light/laser devices or Class III laser devices per FDA requirements are sold to physicians only and are considered prescriptive devices. Further information regarding FDA requirements may be found at http://www.fda.gov.
  Guidelines

The Idaho State Board of Medicine, in compliance with the Medical Practice Act and these federal requirements, recognizes the following guidelines for public health and safety in Idaho:

    1. As a prescriptive device, the use and/or treatment of a patient with a intense pulsed light and/or laser device should be performed only by prescription of a physician duly licensed to practice medicine and surgery in Idaho;
    2. With any prescribed treatment, physician evaluation and assessment of the patient prior to and following prescribed treatment is necessary; and
    3. The actual treatment for hair removal with an intense pulsed light device or laser may be delegated to a properly trained individual.
    4. All other medical uses of lasers may not be delegated to non-physicians

The Board of Medicine is providing this information to assist physicians with assuring compliance with state and federal guidance.

http://www.bom.state.id.us/licensees/laser.html