Laser Use Licence — medical specialist environment
Certain laser procedures are closely linked with, or part of, the provision of medical services and may be conducted within a medical specialist environment (e.g. a dermatology practice).
The use of radiation sources to carry out a radiation practice is regulated under the Radiation Safety Act 1999 to minimise the risks associated with radiation, this includes Class 4 laser apparatus used to provide, or in association with the provision of, medical services.
This page contains the following laser Use Licence application form:
Use this form if you are seeking a licence, or wish to make changes to your current licence.
If you are unsure what supporting documentation is required, please read on.
Who needs this licence?
You will need this licence if you seek to use laser apparatus within a medical specialist environment. This means that you need to be working at a medical specialist clinic with clear medical oversight of the procedures being undertaken.
People using laser equipment in this industry include qualified:
- dermal therapists
- nurses
- medical practitioners
Individuals may be granted a laser use licence according to their qualification, and may be restricted to working a medical specialist environment.
Trainee application exemptions
Students undertaking approved training in the use of laser apparatus can do so without having to obtain a licence under the Radiation Safety Act 1999. Only training that is listed on the department’s website as being approved by the Chief Executive is approved training. Graduates may subsequently apply for a full licence to use laser apparatus working a medical specialist environment.
If training in the use of laser apparatus has not been approved by the Chief Executive and has not been explicitly listed on the department’s website, its trainees are required to hold an appropriate ‘trainee’ use licence under the Radiation Safety Act 1999 if the training includes a practical element.
If you are completing your practical training within Queensland and outside of an approved trainer arrangement you will need to apply for use licence to allow you to undertake your practical training (i.e. a ‘trainee’ licence).
The list of approved providers of training for laser procedures used to provide, or in association with the provision of medical specialist services.
a person who holds a Use Licence for the specific type of procedure being undertaken; or a medical specialist who holds a licence to use laser apparatus in the conduct of that specialty
Responsibilities of a Use Licensee
As part of your responsibilities as a Use Licensee you will need to:
- only use a radiation source for the practice described in your Use Licence
- only use a radiation source if the Possession Licensee has specified that you may
- comply with the Possession Licensee’s approved Radiation Safety and Protection Plan for the radiation practice and your individual responsibilities detailed in it.
You are required to comply with the Radiation Safety Act 1999.
Apply for a licence to use laser apparatus in a medical specialist environment
Required training and competency
You will need to demonstrate that you have undergone both theoretical and practical training and that you are competent to use the radiation source safely and effectively for the type of radiation procedure.
Evidence of these competencies will depend on your individual education and experience but is commonly achieved via:
- educational institutions and other entities with suitable training programs—offering theoretical and practical hands-on competencies as a part of the courses
- practical hands-on experience under a licensed supervisor—who provides a statement certifying that you have completed sufficient practical training and are competent to perform the radiation procedure.
Students undergoing training
While completing their practical training, students are required to be under the personal and direct supervision of:
- a person who holds a Use Licence for the specific type of procedure being undertaken; or
- a medical specialist who holds a licence to use laser apparatus in the conduct of that specialty
Licence duration
A Use Licence can be for 1, 2 or 3 years.
Renewal applications can be made 60 days before your licence expires. You will be sent a reminder and a renewal application form before your licence expires.
Fees
You will need to pay a licence fee. If you do not hold a current licence you will also need to pay an application fee.
See schedule of fees to determine the fee you will need to pay. Your form will only be considered a complete application once payment has been made.
Licence to use laser equipment—trained by an approved training provider (within Queensland)
You need to have completed the theoretical and practical training provided by an approved training provider.
Your application needs to include:
2 proof of identity documents a certified copy of your qualifications, training certificate issued by the approved training provider
Individuals may be granted a laser use licence according to their qualification and may be restricted to working in a medical specialist environment.
Licence to use laser equipment—only theoretical training completed
Use this form if you have completed theoretical radiation safety training and wish to commence practical training in Queensland.
Depending on the speciality, certain medical practitioners who were licensed to use laser apparatus during their speciality training, may be eligible to obtain a full licence on the basis of their registration as a specialist without undergoing further practical training.
Otherwise, you may be eligible to receive a ‘trainee’ licence to enable you to receive the practical training necessary to use laser equipment within a medical environment.
Your application must include:
- 2 proof of identity documents
- a certified copy of your qualifications, safety training certificate
- evidence of infection control training (medical practitioners do not need to provide this)
- details of the name and contact details of your nominated licensed trainer and supervisor, the person in possession of the laser apparatus, and evidence of their commitment to support your training.
As a student you will need to be supervised by an unrestricted use licence holder. While completing their practical training, students are required to be under the personal and direct supervision of:
- a person who holds a Use Licence for the specific type of laser procedure being undertaken or
- by a medical specialist who holds a licence to use a laser in the conduct of that specialty
How to remove the ‘trainee’ restriction from your licence:
- Maintain a training record (PDF 34 kB) of your laser service training (signed by you and countersigned by your trainer/supervisor).
- Obtain a Statement of competency (PDF 31 kB) from your trainer/supervisor
- Apply for new licence using the
Application for a Licence to Use a Laser Apparatus – Cosmetic or Medical Purposes (PDF 889 kB) requesting that your ‘trainee’ status be removed and providing, with your application, copies of the documents mentioned in 1. and 2. above
Training record
Training records need to include the following information:
- type of laser procedure
- time taken to perform the procedure
- when it was done (date and time)
- skin type and age of the client
- licensed trainer/supervisor name, their Use Licence number, and contact details.
Your trainer/supervisor will determine when you are considered competent to perform the laser procedure.
Licence to use laser apparatus—practical training completed outside of Queensland
Use this form if you seek a licence to use laser equipment within a medical specialist environment and you completed your practical training outside of Queensland.
Your application must include:
- proof of identity documents
- a certified copy of your qualifications, safety training certificate
- evidence of infection control training (medical practitioners do not need to provide this)
- evidence of experience in the use of laser apparatus in a medical specialist environment
- evidence of your competency in the use of laser apparatus in a medical specialist environment