Prior to May 2018, only Medical Doctors could hold a licence to operate a class 3B or 4 laser. Non-medical practitioners can now apply to use a laser but be exempt from holding a medical qualification. There are three categories of exemptions from licence issued for cosmetic use of lasers for practitioners who have the qualifications mentioned in question one.

1. Hair Reduction
2. Superficial cosmetic procedures, which covers:
   Vascular (excluding varicose veins
   Pigmentation (excluding any raised lesions
3. Tattoo removal

*for more information please see the following link: https://www.radiologicalcouncil.wa.gov.au/Licences

Hair Reduction:

You must be an Enrolled or Registered Nurse or hold one of the following:

• Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science
• Vocational Graduate Certificate in Dermal Therapies
• Graduate Diploma of Dermal Therapies/Science
• Diploma of Beauty Therapy or Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
• Recognised laser safety certification (LSO)
• 25 hours of supervised training under immediate personal supervision (Forms part of the Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science, Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables and Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science)

Superficial Cosmetic Procedures (Vascular and Pigmentation):

You must be an Enrolled or Registered Nurse or hold one of the following:

• Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science
• Vocational Graduate Certificate in Dermal Therapies
• Graduate Diploma of Dermal Therapies/Science
• Diploma of Beauty Therapy or Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
• Recognised laser safety certification (LSO)
• 100 hours of supervised training for each indication (50 hours for vascular and 50 hours for pigmentation) (Forms part of the Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science, Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables and Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science)

Tattoo Removal:

• Must be a Division 1 Registered Nurse ONLY
• Minimum of 5 years nursing experience
• Recognised laser safety certification (LSO)
• Tattoo removal course

Additional requirements to be aware of:

• A Medical Practitioner will be required to be involved with setting up the protocols and procedures relating to cosmetic laser treatments.
  (this is a condition of registration)
• A skin check and a referral letter from a Medical Doctor is required before each new course of superficial cosmetic treatment (vascular and pigment) can be performed

The following AACDS qualifications are recognised by the Radiological Council of WA as meeting the criteria for laser licence exemption for superficial cosmetic procedures (vascular and pigment) and hair reduction categories.

1. 52854WA Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science
2. 52850WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science
3. 52852WA Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables

Completing an AACDS qualification will allow you to apply to the Council for your laser licence exemptions.

AACDS Graduates Prior to 1st January 2019
If you completed your practical training (Dermal Science practical) in WA prior to January 2019, you will need to complete a Laser Bridging Course.

Both Queensland and Tasmania regulate the use of class 3B and 4 lasers. In Tasmania, laser is regulated through the Department of Health. In QLD, laser is regulated through QLD Health. AACDS qualifications are recognised by QLD Health as meeting the requirements for Laser Fast Track Licensing.

All three authorities provide mutual recognition.