Ohio is officially modernizing and formalizing its regulatory framework for the use of light-based medical devices. With the passage of Amended House Bill Number 377 (HB 377), the state has enacted targeted changes that restructure the delegation, supervision, and education requirements for laser hair removal. The newly enacted bill was officially signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine and will become effective on August 26, 2026.
This legislation establishes clearer pathways for compliance, shifts supervisor caps, and introduces new authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) to delegate and supervise laser hair removal procedures.
Here is a breakdown of the most significant changes under the law and what they mean for practices and laser hair removal professionals operating in Ohio.
A New Provider and Definitions
First and foremost, the law formally establishes a new provider: “Laser hair removal professional.” This refers to any individual who applies a light-based medical device to a patient for hair removal and who meets specific licensing or instruction criteria.
The bill also clearly separates regular nurses from APRNs within this scope of practice. Under these provisions, a “nurse” refers specifically to a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN), excluding RNs who are also credentialed as APRNs.
Expanded Roles For APRNs and PAs
One of the most transformative updates in HB 377 is the explicit grant of delegation authority to APRNs and PAs. Historically, the authority to delegate laser procedures rested strictly with physicians.
Under the new provision:
- APRNs and PAs may now delegate light-based medical hair removal devices to a nurse or a laser hair removal professional, and supervise those procedures.
- Crucial Caveats: An APRN may only take these actions if allowed by their standard care arrangement. PA’s may do so only under compliance with their supervising physician agreement and evaluation protocols.
Stricter Foundations for Educational & Training Requirements
For anyone falling under the “laser hair removal professional” title, the law reinforces detailed training prerequisites that a delegating practitioner must verify:
- Basic Education: Completion of 8 hours of foundational coursework covering light-based procedure physics, tissue interaction, safety protocols, clinical applications, pre-and-post-op care, and adverse event reporting.
- Observation: Observing at least 15 hair removal procedures performed by a qualified physician for each specific type of device delegated.
- Hands-On Oversight: Performing at least 20 procedures under the direct physical oversight of the physician for each specific device type.
Exemptions: Certain experienced practitioners are grandfathered out of these baseline education requirements..
Shifting Supervision Caps and “Off-Site” Flexibility
The new law restructures how supervision is calculated and implemented across medical spas and clinics:
- On-Site Default: Generally, a delegating physician must provide on-site supervision while a laser hair removal professional or a nurse applies the device.
- The New Supervision Limits: When providing active supervision, a physician is restricted to supervising no more than 5 laser hair removal professionals at the same time and no more than 5 nurses at the same time.
Moving to Off-Site Supervision
The law outlines specific conditions under which a physician may provide off-site supervision for established patients:
- For Laser Hair Removal Professionals: They must complete a physician-approved course, complete the required hours, and work under on-site supervision long enough for the physician to verify their competence.
- For Nurses (RNs/LPNs): They must complete a physician-approved internal or third-party training program, and performance of laser hair removal procedures for the required hours.
Looking Ahead
Amended House Bill 377 formally establishes structure and boundary updates for Ohio’s aesthetic and medical spa industries. By increasing the utility of APRNs and PAs while demanding strict training, the state seeks to balance clinical flexibility with safety.
Because these updates take full effect on August 26, 2026, it is vital for Ohio medical spa owners, laser professionals, and supervising providers to use the upcoming months to review standard care agreements and internal training documentation to ensure compliance.