Using a laser, pulsed light or any energy source that affects living tissue below the stratum corneum is the practice of medicine in Alabama, whether cosmetic or therapeutic. A physician registered with the Board for laser use may delegate to a Level 1 delegate (a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or registered nurse) or a Level 2 delegate (other trained staff) after the device-specific training and supervised treatments the rule sets; a Level 2 delegate works only with the physician on site and immediately available. An esthetician or cosmetologist cannot operate a laser on their own license. Injectables are likewise medical services ordered and supervised by a physician, and the Board treats red light and similar devices used for cosmetic purposes the same way.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.
Sources and dates
Alabama Administrative Code chapter 540-X-11 (use of lasers, pulsed light and other modalities affecting living tissue), amended effective July 15, 2023; Board declaratory ruling on red light devices in med spas (August 2025). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
Yes. Using a laser, pulsed light or any energy source that affects living tissue below the stratum corneum is the practice of medicine in Alabama, whether cosmetic or therapeutic.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
No. In Alabama it is listed for med spas.
Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs a physician registration in Alabama? | DoorWorthy
