Protecting patients from unlicensed cosmetic laser procedures

Rules for cosmetic use of lasers have been filed by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission and become effective March 1.

The final rules will protect patients having medical treatments for hair removal, rosacea, age spots, and similar skin procedures. The new rules set training and professional standards for laser light, radio frequency and plasma devices.

"We've seen cases in which people have been hurt pretty badly by improper use of these devices," said Blake Maresh, the commission