House Bill No. 1658, introduced by Roberts, amends the requirements for laser hair removal practitioners in Oklahoma. The bill stipulates that only individuals holding the appropriate health professional license or certificate, as defined in Section 538.2, may perform laser hair removal, unless they are under the supervision of a physician, certified physician assistant, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Additionally, it mandates that laser practitioners complete a training program consisting of 40 hours of education, which can be conducted internally or through a third-party program overseen by a physician. The bill also emphasizes the need for a physician to oversee laser hair removal facilities and establishes protocols for patient evaluation and treatment planning.

Key changes in the bill include the removal of the exemption for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses from oversight requirements and the introduction of new responsibilities for overseeing physicians, such as establishing treatment protocols and conducting initial patient evaluations. The bill clarifies that while a physician does not need to be physically present during procedures, they must be available for communication. Furthermore, it ensures that all practitioners maintain proper patient records, including informed consent and treatment plans. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, highlighting its urgency for public health and safety.