Entrepreneurs beginning the process of starting a laser tattoo removal business have several factors to consider. State regulations for tattoo removal sometimes require medical supervision or the here-and-there role of a medical director. This medical director figure can come in many different forms, with as many different medical backgrounds, licenses, and locations in relation to the aesthetic laser business.
While the regulations for laser tattoo removal are different in just about every state, the role of a medical director is similar across the country, with generally little being required of them, especially in terms of the day-to-day operation of the business.
Gain a better understanding of the need for and use of a medical director at a tattoo removal clinic by continuing to read this article.
Who Needs a Medical Director at Their Tattoo Removal Clinic?
Non-medical professionals may purchase and own a laser for tattoo removal in almost every single U.S. state and around the world. In just about as many places, non-medical personnel may operate the laser, too. There are very few districts that require the laser specialist to have medical training, let alone advanced medical training. It is outside of these stricter jurisdictions where a medical director is most relevant, required, and recommended.
In general, if the clinic is owned and operated by a physician (MD or DO), the need for a medical director is moot. If the laser clinic is owned by a non-medical entrepreneur, aesthetician, etc., it is suggested that the business have a medical director relationship established. While a medical director likely is, but may not be, specifically required in your state – it is a better business practice to have one in place.
For example, if you are starting your first business in the state of Colorado, naturally you would check the regulations during the due diligence process. During this process you may or may not find any clear regulations stating the need for “medical direction” or “medical supervision,” but it is in your best interest to obtain a prescribing medical practitioner just in case.
That brings up the next point of medical director responsibilities.
What Does a Medical Director Do?
Just as the regulations for laser tattoo removal and medical directors are different, the rules that do exist vary widely and allow for many interpretations of responsibilities. Your medical director may only email when she’s ready to renew the contract or be required to be physically on-site daily, check-in quarterly, or actively prescribe laser tattoo removal to clients.
Some of these responsibilities are reflective of just what licensing a medical director must have. Does a medical director need to be a physician? What about a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant? If a government identifies the requirement for medical supervision, it is typically declared to be a licensed physician. This brings up the question of physician specialty. Does the physician need to be a dermatologist? Someone who has worked with lasers in the past? As you will find out, no specialization is called out, and, in most cases, there are no explicit requirements for the physician to have training or experience with the laser device.
The most common guideline for a medical director-business relationship is the physician needs to be licensed in the state in which the laser business will be located. Additionally, this supervising physician should be “readily available” by phone or email. The “readily available” stipulation is to ensure any medical questions or issues are addressed quickly, while the tattoo removal patient is still in-office.
How Much Does a Medical Director Cost?
Once (and if) it’s discovered that a physician medical director is needed to legally open a laser tattoo removal business, many people are deterred from proceeding with the business. This is a knee jerk reaction, however, and it should be known that just because you have a physician on the payroll, does not mean that you are paying them $100,000+ per year.
Medical director pay is most commonly broken down in the form of a stipend – monthly, quarterly, or yearly. This allows for the working relationship to have clear expectations and minimal communication. Other forms of pay structure include a business partnership, revenue sharing, or hourly pay, if applicable.
Overall, the cost of a medical director is as much as you would earn from about two or three patients each month; nothing compared to the revenue you will generate with the business.
Tattoo removal with an advanced aesthetic laser device is the safest and most effective method. Given the, quite frankly, simplistic nature of the laser tattoo removal procedure, the need for medical direction is largely a formality imposed by state governments as a result of the procedure’s categorization as the practice of medicine.
Not all state laws require a medical director relationship, or one that requires a lengthy, in-depth contractual agreement. While it may not be required, a medical director is a great safety net for aesthetic business owners. Concerned or apprehensive clients will be comforted with the added legitimacy and care of a medical director affiliated with your aesthetic business.
Navigating the regulation waters may be tricky but Astanza is here to help. Whether you’re just starting your research or are in the final stages of starting a tattoo removal business, don’t get hung up on the technicalities. Reach out to the A-Team at Astanza when the time comes to find a medical director for your aesthetic business. We have helped thousands of entrepreneurs start their laser tattoo removal businesses by providing technology, training, and business consultation – including work with a medical director.
Start an Aesthetic Business with Astanza
Ready to start the tattoo removal business you’ve been planning? Or perhaps you’ve found your way to this article but are interested in providing other aesthetic laser services – contact Astanza today! Our expert team of industry leaders and business development managers are here for you. Call (800) 364-9010 or fill out the short form on this page for more info.
