Bill Name: House Bill 1984 (HB 1984)

Primary Sponsor: Representative Marcus McEntire

Status: 2/7/2023 Referred to House Committee on Rules

AmSpa’s Take: It appears that this bill would create an additional licensing and regulatory level for performing laser hair removal (LHR), but would not expand the number of people who could perform the treatment.

Outlook: This bill is in the first steps of the process and, based on the sponsor, is more likely to pass.

Analysis: Currently Oklahoma regulates laser hair removal (LHR) as a medical procedure. This means that it must be performed under a physician’s delegation and supervision. Physicians can generally delegate these types of treatments of other licensed professionals and medical assistants.

HB 1984 would create a license for a “laser hair removal practitioner” who may practice in a “laser hair removal facility.” Unusually, LHR practitioners would need to be a licensed physician, nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). These practitioners may perform LHR procedures using lasers or IPL under the general supervision of a supervising physician. the physician would not need to be on site or physically present but would need to be available for direct communication.

What is unusual about HB 1984 is that it creates a LHR licensed but limits it to already licensed health care professionals. Those who are already able to provide LHR treatments under physician supervision. So, it isn’t clear what benefit this additional layer of licensing and regulation would provide. Typically, when states adopt LHR licensing, it is to open it up to people who wouldn’t normally be able to perform the treatment, such as aestheticians or otherwise unlicensed persons. If you would like additional information, to read the bill, or to contact the sponsors, you can find this information through this link.