Ohio Medical Board Aims to Recalibrate Light-Based Medical Device Regulation
Published: May 11, 2021 by Levi TkachEffective April 12, 2021, the State Medical Board of Ohio stopped issuing licenses to Cosmetic Therapists. By discontinuing licensing at the state level, Ohio joins the vast majority of states that do not require a license for laser hair removal. However, while Ohio no longer issues licenses to Cosmetic Therapists, it does intend to require national certification and training before a physician can delegate use of light-based medical devices for hair removal.
The proposed rules would require nationally certified Cosmetic Therapists, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses to receive adequate education and training prior to accepting delegation for laser hair removal.  The new requirements include documenting focused education, observation of fifteen procedures, and performance of twenty procedures with direct oversight. The proposed rules also affect physician delegation of non-ablative procedures to allied healthcare professionals. The Board will hold a public hearing on May 17, 2021 to take comments regarding its proposed rule changes. A copy of the Board’s Proposed Rules can be viewed here.
If you are a medical professional or seek to operate a light-based medical device, and you have questions regarding regulatory compliance, you should contact the attorneys at Graff & McGovern, LPA. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing licensed professionals, including Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, and Cosmetic Therapists in Ohio. Attorney Levi Tkach can be reached at levi@grafflaw.com.