Medical Use of Lasers

This Statement of Philosophy is offered as guidance for medical, osteopathic, and podiatric physicians and physician associates.

Laser Surgery, including the revision, destruction, incision, or other structural alteration of human tissue using laser technology, is surgery and included within the practice of medicine, as defined by ORS 677.085. Laser surgery may be performed by a licensee working within their scope of practice, with appropriate education, training and experience, and within the standard of care described in ORS 677.095.

Licensees should use only devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unless functioning under protocols approved by institutional review boards.

In performing these procedures, licensees should examine each patient prior to any initial treatment or prior to authorizing treatment. The patient should also be examined for any significant new problems.

Technological advances have made it possible to perform cosmetic surgical procedures of the skin using a variety of devices and techniques. Lasers, pulsed light, and radiofrequency devices are often used for ablative and non-ablative treatments. Ablative treatments are those that are intended or expected to excise, burn, or vaporize the skin below the dermo-epidermal junction. Non-ablative treatments are those that are not expected or intended to excise, burn, or vaporize the epidermal surface of the skin. Surgery using these techniques, or other similar means, is included within the practice of medicine, as defined by ORS 677.085, regardless of site of service. Licensees may delegate the performance of non-ablative treatments to other individuals when permitted by state law.

Laser Surgery may fall within the scope of practice of other health care providers. These providers should consult their regulatory board for guidance. 

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The Oregon Medical Board holds licensees to the standard of care described in ORS 677.095, to use that degree of care, skill and diligence that is used by ordinarily careful physicians/PAs in the same or similar circumstances in the community of the physician/PA or a similar community. 
 
See also the Board's Statement of Philosophy on Use of Unlicensed Healthcare Personnel and Oregon Administrative Rules chapter 847 division 17 for Office-Based Surgery.