The Board of Medicine has determined that the use of lasers, laser-like devices and intense pulsed light devices is considered the practice of medicine.

The Board of Medicine has stated that lasers, laser for hair removal, Botox injections, collagen injections, and any other noninvasive injections of materials used as procedures to treat patients must be performed by a Physician, a Physician Assistant under supervision, or an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner working under a protocol signed by a Physician.

With respect to laser hair removal, the Board of Medicine has previously stated that a Physician, an Osteopathic Physician, a Physician Assistant under the supervision of a physician, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner under protocols with a physician, or an Electrologist working under the direct supervision and responsibility of a Physician is required.

We have heard that in some states, with appropriate training, nurses are actively injecting Botox, collagen, and other injectable fillers and that licensed cosmetologist/estheticians are performing laser hair removal and photo rejuvenation with intense pulsed light devices. However, this is not the practice in Florida.

Included on this web page for your review are excerpts from the Board of Medicine June 4, 2005 and the August 12, 2005 Quality Assurance Committee meetings regarding Laser Issues and the Electrologist Rule 56.002, F.S. Also included is HB 699 and other information regarding that bill for your review.

• 2005 Electrologist Rule 64B8-56.002(pdf- 20kb)
• 2005 Excerpt - August 12 Quality Assurance Committee Meeting Minutes (pdf- 45kb)
• 2005 Laser Excerpt from June 4 Quality Assurance Committee Meeting (pdf- 55kb)
• 2006 64B8-2.001 Definition of Supervison (pdf- 28kb)
• 2006 458.305 Definitions (pdf- 83kb)
• BILL Summary (pdf- 42kb)
• Notice for Dermatologic or Skin Care Services(pdf- 105kb)
• 2006 Quality Assurance Committee Meeting July 28 Draft Report (pdf- 94kb)