Who may perform the pre-treatment exam in North Carolina?
Intake · part of The Practice Perimeter
Short answer
A physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other prescriber must evaluate the client and issue the order — it may not be delegated to the nurse performing the treatment; a first laser hair or tattoo removal exam requires a physician, PA or NP.
A licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other practitioner with prescriptive authority must complete the client evaluation and assessment for the appropriateness of the procedure and issue the prescription or order before a licensed nurse carries it out. That evaluation may not be delegated to the nurse who will perform the treatment.
NC Board of Nursing, Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dermatological Procedures Position Statement (rev. 9/2022) · verified Aug 17, 2026 · regulatory monitoring, not legal advice
Related North Carolina rules
The Medical Board’s position is 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 or tattoo removal treatment, and at other times as medically indicated.
NCMB Position Statement 5.1.2 · verified Aug 17, 2026
An RN does not require the on-site presence of a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to perform a prescribed cosmetic procedure. An LPN does: an LPN must have the on-site presence and supervision of an RN, physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other licensed practitioner acting within their scope.
NC Board of Nursing, Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dermatological Procedures Position Statement (rev. 9/2022) · verified Aug 17, 2026
How other states answer this
All 9 states side by side →Related North Carolina questions
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