Dermatologists say it could be dangerous if they do. A Senate committee sided with the dermatologists Tuesday, rejecting a bill that would have allowed professional, regulated electrologists to perform laser electrolysis with only indirect supervision from doctors. A similar measure is still alive in the House.
Electrologists say the skin doctors are simply trying to corner the market on hair removal.
Rules for electrolysis are currently made by the Board of Medicine, which supports the ability of trained electrologists to use lasers for the procedure with only indirect supervision by doctors. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Skip Campbell, D-Tamarac, would then say that electrologists would have to have certain training, but could work without the direct supervision of a doctor. Tallahassee dermatologist Richard Caldwell told the committee that while electrologists can perform the procedure, the potential for injury makes it safer to do it in a doctor's office.