Georgia’s Cosmetic Laser Services Act

Originally enacted in 2007 as House Bill 528, Georgia’s Cosmetic Laser Services Act became effective February 26, 2014 upon its initial funding in the Amended Fiscal Year 2014 budget. A grandfathering provision existed for individuals who did not meet the minimum qualifications for the Assistant Laser Practitioner license, but had at least 2,000 hours of experience in administering cosmetic laser services, had received at least two laser certificates from laser/IPL courses taught directly by physicians or certified continuing education educators. That provision ended on December 31, 2014.
Now fully in effect, the Cosmetic Laser Services Act prohibits unlicensed cosmetic skin care, photo rejuvenation, or hair removal using lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) devices. Two license levels are specified in the law.
A senior laser practitioner must have:
An assistant laser practitioner must have:
Facilities providing cosmetic laser services (other than hair removal) are required to have a consulting physician who is trained in laser modalities who must examine patients prior to their receiving laser services, and they can only provide services under the supervision of a senior laser practitioner or a physician trained in laser modalities.
Advisory Committee
The Cosmetic Laser Services Advisory Committee works with the Board to develop rules, regulations, and application materials for both levels of licensure. The committee can be contacted via email: lasers@dch.ga.gov