In the state of Florida, laser tattoo removal treatments are considered to be medical procedures; however, Florida does not require the procedures to be performed at a medical doctor’s office. This means that laser treatments can be easier to find and not quite as expensive as laser services offered in a doctor’s office. Florida has specific rules regarding who can administer treatment and standards governing the facilities in which they operate. No matter if you are using a Picosure Q-switched laser, the Cynosure Revile or the Quanta Q plus C, it’s important to learn about the rules and regulations in Florida before opening your doors.

Who can provide laser tattoo removal treatments?

The Department of Health has explicit requirements for laser tattoo removal services. Medical doctors can administer treatment, as can nurses and medical or physicians assistants, but only if they are directly supervised by a physician during the cosmetic laser procedure. Physician assistant trainees may also perform medical services under the jurisdiction of the training program.

Electrologists can also perform laser tattoo removal procedures if he or she meets the following qualifications:

• Has completed an approved 30-hour continuing education class
• Uses only the laser equipment and devices on which he or she has been trained
• Has received laser certification for cosmetic lasers and light-based devices by an organization accredited by the Electrolysis Council and the Board of Medicine
• Provides treatment only under the direct supervision of a physician trained in laser procedures

The supervising physician is responsible for the laser services and other medical acts of the electrologist. According to Florida Statute 458.348, a physician must submit formal notice to Florida’s Medical Board when entering into a supervisory relationship with an electrologist facility. A physician is not allowed to supervise more than four facilities in addition to his or her primary practice location (the limit is two if the practitioner works in specialty care and one for dermatologists).

For a full list of regulations regarding supervisory relationships, read Florida Statute 458.348 in the Florida Legislature.

Where can laser tattoo removal procedures be provided?

Please note that the legal scope of practice for Electrologists encompasses hair removal “only”. Electrologists in Florida are not permitted to use lasers for any other purpose.

For a full list of regulations for electrology facilities, visit the Florida Department of State’s website and refer to the Board of Medicine division under the Department of Health.

What behaviors result in disciplinary action?

As with other medical procedures, laser tattoo removal treatments are subject to disciplinary action if the physician breaks the law. Some examples include:

• Operating without a license, with a fraudulent license, with a revoked license, or with a license obtained through bribery
• Aiding another person in practicing without a legitimate license
• Sexually harassing a patient
• Performing procedures that the patient has not authorized

For a full list of actions requiring disciplinary action, refer to Florida Statute 458.331.

Please note that this article is not intended to provide legal advice. For legal advice regarding laser tattoo removal procedures, contact the Florida medical board or call one of our reps at SunrayLaser.com to discuss. Direct Regulations Consulting Line: 888-875-7001