The page is a summary of the regional and special regulations for using therapy lasers in a business. This resource is not 100% complete so you must check your local regulatory agencies to confirm that there are not further regulations. If you know of a regional requirement, please send us information so we can keep this page up to date and help everyone. Coldlasers.Org assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information. Use it at your own risk.
There are several layers of regulations and requirement in the United States. At the national level, the 2 main requirement are on the sale and advertising of lasers:
In addition to the national FDA requirement, some states have created laws to support special interest groups, stifle competition and hold back usage of cold laser market. Many of the restriction on class 4 laser were lobbied for by class 1, 2 and 3 manufacturers that did not want the competition. Some regulations were created to make sure that only one small group can financially benefit from laser technology. These regulations will slow down the adoption and wider usage of lasers but compliance is critical component of every business. These regulations are based on the type of patient (human or animal) and the class of the laser.
Special Requirement for Class 4 Lasers
Class 4 lasers are the most restricted group of lasers. They have additional requirements in many states. The level of regulation can be be grouped into 3 basic categories. Use these categories, the list below and definition (below the table) as a general guideline to state-by-state special regulations.
Class 4 Laser – Category 1 State Requirements
Physician Oversight Is Required? Medical Doctors May Delegate Non-medical Professionals under Their Individual State License to Provide Laser Therapy
Only Medical Doctors May Provide Laser Therapy Treatments (in some cases they may be able to delegate a Physician’s Assistant (PA), Registered Nurse (RN), or other Medical Doctor to provide treatments; some exceptions may apply according to specific state guidelines, additional rules may also apply).
Alabama
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Alaska
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Arizona
Arizona has additional requirements on the use of laser that you can find here: https://azdhs.gov/licensing/radiation-regulatory
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1, additional rules apply): Class 4 Human Patient Requirements: Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by a Medical Director who is a health care practitioner4 but does not need to be on-site, and treatments may be provided by other nonmedical professionals who are certified by the clinic’s Medical Director1. State requirements for appropriate training and certification are regulated by the Arizona State Board of Radiation.
Arkansas
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
California
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; laser therapy treatment must be supervised by a Medical Doctor who does not need to be on-site. The clinic’s Medical Director1 may supervise treatment, but acts under the supervision of the Medical Doctor. Other Health care Practitioners4 may provide laser therapy treatments under the supervision of the Medical Director1 who in turn acts under the supervision of the Medical Doctor.
Colorado
Class 3 Humans: Same as CLass 4 listed below
Class 4 Humans (Category 1, additional rules apply): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health care Practitioner and laser therapy treatments may be provided by other nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser. Â (Note: Colorado has revised their standards under Rule 800; state guidelines for appropriate training and certification are supervised by the Department of Higher Education, Health Occupations.)
Equine: Only licensed veterinarian can use a laser on horses as part of a business.
Connecticut
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply): Only medical doctors may delegate non-medical professionals under their individual state license to provide laser therapy. The delegating physician is responsible for actions of the Medical Director1 in the Clinic, and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and whether the physician is on-site or off-site. Other medical practitioners such as a PT, RN, LPN, EMT, etc. must work directly under the medical supervision and licensure of a medical doctor; the clinic’s Medical Director1 must be on site.
Delaware
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3, additional rules apply): Only medical doctors may delegate non-medical professionals under their individual state license; the physician is responsible for their activities and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or non-direct. The physician must personally evaluate any patient at least every three months.
Florida
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3, additional rules apply): Only medical doctors may delegate non-medical professionals under their Florida license to provide laser therapy. The delegating physician is responsible for actions of the Medical Director in the Clinic, and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and whether the physician is on-site or off-site. Other medical practitioners such as a PT, RN, LPN, EMT, etc. may provide laser therapy treatments, but must work directly under the medical supervision and licensure of a medical doctor; the clinic’s Medical Director1 must be on site. Non-medical licensed Electrologists may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments in the state of Florida; supervision must be provided by a Medical Director1 who is a health care practitioner4 but does not need to be on-site, and treatments may be provided by other nonmedical professionals who are certified by the clinic’s Medical Director1. A medical doctor must be 30 minutes away or less, and must be available to respond to medical needs within a 30-minute window. State requirements for appropriate training are supervised by the Florida State Electrology Association. (Note: Electrology is the practice of electrical epilation to permanently remove human hair; the process of removing the hair is referred to as electrolysis.)
Georgia
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Hawaii
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3, additional rules apply): Physicians may delegate non-medical professionals under their individual state license to provide laser therapy. The delegating physician is responsible for actions of the Medical Director1 in the Clinic, and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and whether the physician is on-site or off-site. Other medical practitioners such as a PT, RN, LPN, EMT, etc. must work directly under the medical supervision and licensure of a medical doctor; the clinic’s Medical Director1 must be on site. (Note: Maui is exempt from this rule.)
Idaho
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Illinois
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply) : Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; laser therapy treatment MAY be supervised by a medical doctor who does not need to be on-site. The clinic’s Medical Director, who must be a licensed health care practitioner4, supervises treatment. Other Health care Practitioners4, such as a PT, PA, RN, LPN, massage therapist, or certified laser therapy technician may provide laser therapy treatments and act under the supervision of the Medical Director1.
Indiana
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3, additional rules apply): Physicians may delegate non-medical professionals under their individual state license to provide laser therapy. The delegating physician is responsible for actions of the Medical Director in the Clinic, and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and whether the physician is on-site or off-site. Other medical practitioners such as a PT, RN, LPN, EMT, etc. must work directly under the medical supervision and licensure of a medical doctor; the clinic’s Medical Director1 must be on site. (Note: Maui is
Iowa
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3, additional rules apply): Physicians, RNs, PAs, in addition to Electrologists, Aestheticians, and Cosmetologists, may provide laser therapy treatments, and delegate trained and certified3 non-medical professionals under their individual state licenses to provide laser therapy; a Medical Director1 is required and must be a Health care Practitioner4. The delegating physician is responsible for actions of those operating under their license, and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and whether the physician is on-site or off-site.
Kansas
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Louisiana
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Maine
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3): Physicians can delegate a PA or an RN under their individual state license to provide laser therapy; a Medical Director1 is required and must be a Health care Practitioner4. The delegating physician is responsible for actions of those operating under their license, and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the physician whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and whether the physician is on-site or off-site.
Maryland
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Physicians, PAs, and RNs, can delegate trained and certified non-medical professionals such as laser therapy technicians under their individual state license to provide laser therapy; however the physician, PA, or RN responsible for their activities and must provide adequate supervision. It is up to the Physician, PA, or RN, whether the supervision is direct or non-direct.
Massachusetts
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3): Nonmedical professionals may own a laser therapy clinic, but laser therapy must be provided directly by a physician, or by a medical professional operating directly under a physician’s supervision. The physician dictates whether the supervision will be on-site.
Michigan
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Minnesota
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Mississippi
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Missouri
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Montana
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Physicians, PAs, and RNs can delegate trained and certified non-medical professionals under their individual state licenses to provide laser therapy; the physician, PA, or RN responsible for their activities and must provide adequate supervision. A Medical Director1 is required, and must be a Physician, PA, or RN. It is up to the Physician, PA, or RN whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and the Medical Director1 must be on-site.
Nebraska
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Non-medical professionals may on a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Nevada
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
New Hampshire
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. A Medical Director1 is required; all operate under the Physician’s license and supervision. It is up to the Medical Director1 whether the supervision is direct or indirect, the Medical Director1 must be on-site.
New Jersey
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3): In New Jersey, a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Orthopedic Medicine ONLY can provide laser therapy treatments.
New Mexico
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply): Physicians, PAs, and RNs can delegate trained and certified3 non-medical professionals such as Certified Laser Therapy Technicians, Cosmetic Therapists, or Electrologists under their individual state license to provide laser therapy; however, the physician, PA, or RN responsible for their activities and must provide adequate supervision. A Medical Director1 is required, and must be a Physician, PA, or RN. It is up to the Physician, PA, or RN whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and the Medical Director1 must be on-site.
New York
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category is open, has no rules are yet established): No Class 4 laser therapy regulations or guidelines have been written by the state of New York to date. Non-medical professionals may own Class 4 therapy laser clinics and provide Class 4 laser therapy. A Medical Director1 or physician is not required to supervise Class 4 laser therapy in the state of New York.
North Carolina
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 3): In North Carolina ONLY a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Orthopedic Medicine can provide laser therapy treatments.
North Dakota
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply): Non-medical professionals may on a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Ohio
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply): Physicians, PAs, and RNs can delegate trained and certified3 non-medical professionals such as Certified Laser Therapy Technicians, Cosmetic Therapists, or Electrologists under their individual state license to provide laser therapy; the physician, PA, or RN is responsible for their activities and must provide adequate supervision. A Medical Director1 is required, and must be a Physician, PA, or RN. It is up to the Physician, PA, or RN whether the supervision is direct or indirect, and the Medical Director1 may or may not be on-site.
Oklahoma
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2, additional rules apply): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Oregon
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Pennsylvania
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Rhode Island
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
South Carolina
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
South Dakota
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; only Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Tennessee
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; only Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it. Electrologists can provide laser treatments without Physician supervision.
Texas
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1; additional rules apply): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by other nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser. Â A State certificate is required for laser electrolysis procedures; all procedures must be supervised by the Medical Director1.
Equine: Only licensed veterinarian can use a laser on horses as part of a business.
Utah
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; physician oversight is required for laser therapy treatments. Only Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Vermont
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Virginia
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2): Non-medical professionals may on a Class 4 laser therapy clinic; physician oversight is required. Only Physicians can delegate nonmedical professionals to provide laser therapy as long as they are properly trained and certified3. The Physician is the de facto Medical Director1 and makes all decisions regarding laser therapy treatment and who provides it.
Washington
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 2; additional rules apply): Non-medical professionals may own Class 4 laser therapy clinic; however, only physicians, PAs Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine, or a Licensed Aesthetician can operate the laser. A Physician or Physician’s Assistant (PA) must oversee consultation and treatment, a PA can provide therapy laser treatments or delegate procedures to properly certified and trained nonmedical personnel, and must be on site.
West Virginia
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Wisconsin
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Wyoming
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Notes: The following terms are defined here because they are part of the regulations.
Wyoming
Class 3 Humans: No additional restrictions
Class 4 Humans (Category 1): Non-medical professionals may own a Class 4 laser therapy clinic and provide laser therapy treatments; supervision must be provided by an assigned Medical Director1 who should be a Health Care Practitioner4 and laser therapy treatments may be provided by nonmedical professionals under the supervision of the clinic’s Medical Director1 who does not need to be on-site. It is recommended that a Laser Safety Officer2 (LSO) be assigned to carry out LSO duties, and that all clinic personnel be trained and certified3 in the use of the laser.
Clinics that offer laser therapy are required to have a Medical Director, who is a licensed Health Care Practitioner. The practitioner may be a Medical Doctor (MD), Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Physician’s Assistant, Veterinarian, Head Veterinary Technician, Acupuncturist, or other Licensed Health Care Practitioner with a broad working knowledge of common health care practices and specialized training and certification in the operation and usage of a Class 4 laser. Laser Therapy Certification is completed by various means, usually through completion of a course offered by the laser manufacturer, authorized distributor, or by a certified laser therapy trainer.
Clinics that own and operate Class 4 therapy lasers in any kind of medical or veterinary setting must appoint a Laser Safety Officer (LSO), who is responsible for knowing and implementing established laser safety practices in the clinic, and has oversight over the safe ownership and use of the Class 4 laser.
The MEDICAL DIRECTOR will determine how the laser is used in the clinic and train and/or certify medical/non-medical technicians in the safe and established use of the laser. Laser Therapy Technicians, trained and certified3 by the clinic’s MD (Medical Director), laser manufacturer, authorized distributor, or other certified laser trainer will work under the direct supervision of the clinic’s MEDICAL DIRECTOR. Please note that all necessary training and certification for the positions of Class 4 Laser Therapy Technician (LTT) and Class 4 Laser the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) can be provided).
A Health Professional, Health-Care Provider, or Health care Practitioner is an individual who provides preventive, curative, promotional, or rehabilitative health care, and may operate within medical, surgical, naturopathic medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, or other health professions. Health care practitioners include Physicians of All Types, Dentists, Orthodontists, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Midwives and Other Licensed Holistic Practitioners, Anesthesiologists, Physical Therapists, Pathologists, Chiropractors, Clinical Social Workers, Clinical Psychologists, Phlebotomists, Occupational Therapists, Nurse Anesthetists, Respiratory Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Prosthetic Technicians, Massage Therapists, Optometrists, Holistic Practitioners, and a wide variety of other practitioners in the health care services industry.
Laser therapy practitioners must work under the direct supervision of the clinics medical doctor OR other medical practitioner who is acting as the clinics Medical Director, unless otherwise noted in the state guidelines provided below. This does not necessarily indicate direct supervision is mandated; each state may deviate from other state supervisory standards as they determine, as national standards are not established other than those found in FDA 510K requirements. A non-medical professional or entrepreneur may own a clinic that provides Class 4 laser therapy in order to treat applicable medical conditions.
A Medical Director who is certified in the use of Class 4 therapy lasers and is a licensed health care professional may provide laser therapy, or may, at their discretion, train and certify a PA, RN, PT, ND, other licensed health care practitioner or certified laser therapy technician to provide laser therapy treatments. Some states require a clinic’s Medical Director to act under the supervision of a medical doctor; the MD may or may not be on-site, and the supervision made direct or indirect, according to particular state regulations.