Laser Rules Protect Patients From Unlicensed Cosmetic Laser Procedures OLYMPIA ¾ Rules for cosmetic use of lasers have been filed by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission and become effective March 1. The final rules will protect patients having medical treatments for hair removal, rosacea, age spots, and similar skin procedures. The new rules set training and professional standards for laser light, radio frequency and plasma devices. "We’ve seen cases in which people have been hurt pretty badly by improper use of these devices," said Blake Maresh, the commission’s executive director. "There are a growing number of unlicensed or inadequately trained people using these devices and the rules will help us protect others from improper treatment." The rules spell out what is required of physicians and physician assistants who operate these devices, who they can delegate to use them, and the degree of supervision required. The rules require patient evaluations by physicians or physician assistants prior to any treatment. The rules apply to a narrow range of devices defined by the federal government as "prescriptive devices." They include devices that use a laser, non-coherent light, intense pulsed light, radiofrequency or plasma to penetrate the skin and alter human tissue. Penetrating the skin or altering human tissues constitutes the practice of medicine. To view the rest of this article please visit the Washington State Department of Health website at www.doh.wa.gov. Contact a Local Dentist to learn more about how to maintain your oral heath!