A new bill introduced in Georgia would expand the scope of practice for cosmetic laser practitioner to other non-laser energy-based devices. House Bill 996 (HB 996) is primarily sponsored by State Representative Sharon Cooper and has completed its second reading before the House. You can review the text of the bill in full here.
HB 996 adds new language to Georgia’s Cosmetic Laser Safety Act. Currently, the Cosmetic Laser Safety Act allows certain current or former licensed professionals to be able to practice laser and light-based procedures after obtaining necessary training and certification. Under HB 996, these types of services would expand to include “energy-based” medical procedures such as ultrasound, cryolipolysis, microwave and radio frequency. The bill does not require that the delegated person hold any particular professional license, but it does require that they receive training indications and pre- and post-operative care in the procedures. This is provided the treatments are not intended to remove, burn or vaporize the live epidermis; they may, however, damage the underlying tissue if used inappropriately.
While a relatively simple bill, HB 996 is indicative of broader trends we have seen. Many states are enacting new or special licensing schemes to allow a wider range of people to perform certain cosmetic medical procedures. Georgia was one of the frontrunners in this area with the original Cosmetic Laser Safety Act, and if HB 996 passes, it would continue to be among the early movers in this trend.
We will be monitoring HB 996 as it works its way through Georgia’s legislative process this year. If you would like to contact HB 996’s sponsor, she can be reached via her page on the Georgia Legislature's website.