What must the supervising physician actually do in North Carolina?
Oversight · part of The Practice Perimeter
Short answer
Among other duties — for laser hair or tattoo removal, ensure each patient is examined by a physician, PA, or NP before the first treatment and as medically indicated, and that any medication given with it comes with thorough safe-use instructions.
It is the position of the Board that good medical practice requires that each patient be examined by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner licensed or approved by the Board prior to receiving the first laser hair and tattoo removal treatment and at other times as medically indicated; when medication is prescribed or dispensed in connection with laser hair or tattoo removal, the supervising physician shall assure the patient receives thorough instructions on the safe use or application of the medication; and the Board weighs, among other factors, the quality of written protocols for the performance of the procedure.
NCMB Position Statement 5.1.2 (Laser surgery — supervision and written protocols) · verified Sep 8, 2026 · regulatory monitoring, not legal advice
Related North Carolina rules
The Medical Board’s position is that the revision, destruction, incision or other structural alteration of human tissue using laser technology is surgery. It may be performed by a physician, or by a licensed health care professional acting within their own scope with appropriate medical training and under the supervision — preferably on-site — of a physician.
NCMB Position Statement 5.1.2 (adopted July 1999, amended May 2021) · verified Aug 17, 2026
The supervising physician is expected to provide oversight of both licensed and non-licensed personnel before and after the procedure, and to remain available for emergencies.
NCMB Position Statement 5.1.2 · verified Aug 17, 2026
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