Georgia Laser Tattoo Removal Regulations

The goal of the Georgia Cosmetic Laser Services Act is to make laser
services (including tattoo removal using cosmetic lasers) safe, affordable and easily accessible to the public. The guidelines set by this rule, including the stipulations on who may or may not provide laser treatments and laser training, are intended to uphold this goal.

Who can perform laser tattoo removal treatments in Georgia?

Cosmetic laser services are not considered to be a practice of medicine in Georgia. However, a person must be licensed in order to perform laser procedures and utilize laser technology. There are two levels of licensure: assistant cosmetic laser practitioner and senior laser practitioner. It  doesn’t matter what type of laser you choose for your business, whether it’s the Quanta Q plus, the Cynosure RevLite SI or the Picosure Q-switched laser, it’s critical to learn about the rules and regulations in Georgia before opening your doors.

Assistant laser practitioners may only operate under the on-site supervision of a senior laser practitioner. In order to apply to be an assistant laser practitioner, a person must meet the following qualifications:

• Is at least 21 years of age
• Holds a valid license as a physician assistant, nurse, esthetician, or cosmetologist; OR previously held a license as a medical practitioner
• Has either:
• Earned three or more certificates from laser courses approved by the Georgia Medical Board and taught by either a licensed medical practitioner or an approved medical educator
• Has completed at least 2,000 hours of cosmetic laser treatments AND has earned two or more certificates from approved laser courses taught by approved personnel

Senior laser practitioners are authorized to perform cosmetic laser tattoo removal procedures and removal of cosmetic tattooing on their own, and they can supervise assistant laser practitioners. To apply to be a senior laser practitioner, a person must meet the following qualifications:

• Is at least 21 years of age
• Holds a valid license as a physician assistant or nurse; OR previously held a license as a medical practitioner
• Has been a board certified medical practitioner for three or more years (or previously held the license for three or more years)
• Has earned two or more certificates from laser courses approved by the Georgia Medical Board and taught by either a licensed medical practitioner or an approved medical educator

Requirements for laser facilities

In order to operate a facility that provides laser services, certain procedures must be followed. The facility must cooperate with a licensed medical practitioner who will serve as the consulting physician. While the physician doesn’t need to oversee the procedures themselves, he or she is responsible for:

• Establishing and enforcing the proper procedures for laser use, in cooperation with the Georgia Medical Board
• Examining all patients before they undergo laser tattoo removal treatments
• Being readily available for consultation and any emergency medical needs, including handling any pharmaceutical needs (laser practitioners may not provide pharmaceuticals to patients)

Prerequisites for laser tattoo removal procedures

If a patient is under the age of 18, he or she must have consent from a parent or guardian to undergo the procedure. All patients must provide written consent prior to the procedure. During his or her examination, the patient should be informed by the consulting physician of any risks or side effects associated with the procedure, along with an overview of what to expect with the procedure itself.

Violation of Georgia Cosmetic Laser Services Act

If any rules stated in the Act are violated, the guilty person will be charged with a misdemeanor. These penalties extend not only to physicians and laser practitioners, but also to owners of facilities that provide laser tattoo removal service.

Please note that this article is not intended to provide legal advice. For legal advice regarding laser tattoo removal procedures, contact the Georgia Medical Board or call one of our reps at SunrayLaser.com to discuss.

Direct Regulations Consulting Line: 888-875-7001