Cosmetic Laser Use - Updates to pre-treatment medical consultation requirements

The Radiological Council has recently completed a review of the requirements for medical consultation prior to laser tattoo removal and cosmetic laser treatments. This applies to all ablative and non-ablative cosmetic laser treatments except laser hair removal.

The Radiological Council requires that a patient has an in-person consultation with an appropriate health practitioner prior to cosmetic laser treatments.  This consultation is for the purpose of identifying potential skin cancers or any other underlying conditions that may be affected by the laser treatment.

As a result of the review Council have now agreed that division 1 registered nurses can complete skin checks prior to cosmetic laser treatments and laser tattoo removal if they have completed appropriate training for skin checks to be within their scope of practice, as defined through their registration with Ahpra.  All practitioners performing consultations prior to laser treatment are expected to work within their scope of practice and to refer the patient for further medical review if required.

Prior to a new course of treatment the person performing the laser treatment must receive written advice that the patient has undergone a pre-treatment consultation from the practitioner who performed the consultation.  If the practitioner performing the pre-treatment consultation is also the person performing the laser treatment documentation that the consultation occurred should be kept on the patient’s record.

A copy of the updated registration conditions for Lasers – Medical, Lasers – Non-ablative Cosmetic and Lasers – Tattoo Removal were emailed to the registrant of cosmetic laser clinics. If you have not received a copy please contact Council officers.