Cosmetic Laser Laws by State | Who Can Operate Lasers in 2025
Cosmetic laser and light-based procedures (e.g., laser hair removal, IPL, non-ablative resurfacing) are regulated at the state level in the U.S. Most states treat these services as the practice of medicine, allowing physicians to perform them and, in many cases, to delegate certain non-ablative procedures to trained staff under written protocols. A handful of states create specific pathways for electrologists or advanced estheticians. Because requirements vary—and can change—use the links below to access the primary rules or an authoritative state summary and then verify with the relevant medical/cosmetology board.
Alabama
Generally physician-directed; delegation limited by procedure (ablative vs. non-ablative).
Start here: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners – Rule 540-X-11 (laser use & delegation). ASLMS
Alaska
Typically, physician-directed estheticians cannot treat living tissue.
Start here: ASLMS state overview (links onward to AK sources). ASLMS
Arizona
Allows Certified Laser Technicians (CLT) under medical direction; physicians/APRNs/PAs may perform.
Start here: Arizona CLT framework & cosmetic laser rules (overview page). ASLMS
Arkansas
Generally, physician-directed with delegation; confirm the specifics of supervision.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
California
Laser/IPL for cosmetic use is physician-level care; cosmetology/esthetic licenses do not authorize laser use.
Start here: CA Board of Barbering & Cosmetology – 2025 Act & Regulations (scope). California Barbering & Cosmetology
Colorado
Rule 800 allows physicians to delegate medical aesthetic services (Class IIIb/IV lasers, IPL) with proper training, protocols, and disclosures.
Start here: Colorado Medical Board – Rule 800 landing.
Connecticut
Physician-directed with delegation; verify current board protocols.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Delaware
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Florida
Electrologists may perform laser/light hair removal under physician supervision with board-approved training; physicians/APRNs/PAs may perform.
Start here: Rule 64B8-56.002 (equipment & protocols for electrologists). Florida Administrative Code+1
Georgia
Creates licenses for Assistant and Senior Cosmetic Laser Practitioners; physician involvement required.
Start here: GA Rule 360-35 + GCMB licensing page. Georgia Rules and Regulations+1
Hawaii
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Idaho
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Illinois
Physician may perform or delegate to trained staff with protocols; med-spa guidance applies.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Indiana
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Iowa
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Kansas
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Kentucky
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Louisiana
Many services treated as medical; delegation permitted under physician supervision.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Maine
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Maryland
Physician-directed; non-physicians operate only if delegated/trained.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Massachusetts
Only licensed electrologists may perform laser hair removal (aka “laser electrolysis”); estheticians/cosmetologists not authorized.
Start here: 240 CMR 9.00 (laser electrolysis standards). Massachusetts Government
Michigan
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Minnesota
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Mississippi
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Missouri
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Montana
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Nebraska
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Nevada
Physicians & delegated staff; Advanced Estheticians licensed for certain non-ablative procedures under set supervision.
Start here: NV Advanced Esthetician – laws & rules page. Oregon
New Hampshire
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
New Jersey
Laser hair removal is a medical service; cosmetology licensees are prohibited from performing it.
Start here: N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.15 (Prohibited practices) + enforcement updates. Legal Information Institute+1
New Mexico
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
New York
No statewide operator license for LHR; separate safety rule (NY DOL Part 50) governs laser installations/LSO, etc.
Start here: NY DOL 12 NYCRR Part 50 – Lasers. Department of Labor+1
North Carolina
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
North Dakota
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Ohio
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Oklahoma
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Oregon
Unique pathway certifies Advanced Estheticians for non-ablative laser/IPL; physicians/delegates may also perform.
Start here: OR Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians – ORS 676.630-660 / OAR ch. 819 page. Oregon
Pennsylvania
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Rhode Island
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
South Carolina
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
South Dakota
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Tennessee
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Texas
Dedicated Laser Hair Removal (LHR) program with individual certificates (Apprentice-in-Training → Professional) and facility certification under 16 TAC Ch. 118; requires a consulting physician and protocols.
Start here: Texas Administrative Code Chapter 118 (official). Texas Administrative Code
Utah
Physician-directed; statute recognizes master estheticians/electrologists for LHR under supervision.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Vermont
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Virginia
Specific rule for laser hair removal: MD/DO may perform or supervise; training topics and supervision standards listed in 18VAC85-20-91.
Start here: VA Admin. Code 18VAC85-20-91. Virginia Law
Washington
Physicians and PAs may perform nonsurgical medical cosmetic procedures (includes prescription lasers/IPL) and may delegate under rule.
Start here: WAC 246-919-606 (physician duties) and related PA rule. Washington State Legislature+1
West Virginia
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Wisconsin
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview. ASLMS
Wyoming
Physician-directed with delegation.
Start here: ASLMS state overview.