Virtual Course Offers In-Depth Knowledge, CEUs
Laser technology has transformed modern medicine and healthcare disciplines, utilizing lasers to perform precise procedures. These advances can pose risks to patients and professionals. A new virtual course designed and taught by perioperative consultants Patti Owens, MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR, FAORN, and Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, FAORN, FAAN, prepares individuals to become certified laser safety officers.
Regulations require each facility to have a medical laser safety officer on staff. Individuals who obtain medical laser safety officer certification are valuable members of the staff who can gain additional compensation for their role as a safety officer.
The course is offered on a quarterly basis in 2026. The first course is scheduled for January 24-25. The course is also offered April 18-19, July 18-19 and November 7-8.
The use of lasers in healthcare is associated with a variety of hazards, such as eye exposure, misaligned laser beams, use of unfamiliar equipment, and improper handling, which can affect the safety of personnel and patients and are non-compliant with regulations and guidelines. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Association of PeriOperative Nurses (AORN) Lasers Guidelines has developed a series of standards for the safe use of lasers in the healthcare environment.
The ANSI Z136.3 standards and the AORN Guidelines require the designation of a laser safety officer (LSO), implementation of safety and engineering control measures, and training of authorized personnel. LSOs are responsible for enforcing a hospital’s laser safety procedures. Healthcare facilities manage these risks by assigning safety duties to an LSO. These standards and guidelines are enforceable by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), national accreditation organizations and numerous state regulatory statutes.
This new Medical Laser Safety Officer course is designed to provide operating room personnel with a foundation of laser biophysics, tissue interaction, safety and administrative responsibilities. Technical aspects, as well as established best practices, will be reviewed on multi-wavelength lasers. Laser safety protocols and documentation will be addressed according to the ANSI 136.3–2024 “Safe Use of Lasers in the Healthcare Facilities Standards,” and the AORN Laser Safety Guidelines 2020. Applicable national accreditation standards will be shared for laser safety program compliance. Instruction is accomplished through didactics and group discussion.
Upon completion of the course participants will:
- Discuss the fundamentals of laser tissue interaction and the science of laser physics.
- Describe the systems used to classify laser and laser products according to the degree of hazard.
- An understanding of the guidelines and procedures required for the safe use of lasers in their practice.
- An understanding of the other (non-radiation) hazards associated with lasers (i.e. electrical hazards, laser plume).
- Discuss the engineering, procedural, and administrative controls based upon evaluation of potential hazards from laser radiation and unique problems related to operating rooms, outpatient clinics, mobile laser units, and private medical and dental offices.
- List several precautions taken for using energy sources for head, neck, and chest procedures.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals utilizing lasers.
MLSOs can come from a variety of backgrounds. This training is designed for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their laser safety knowledge and improve the quality and safety of patient care at their facility. Professionals who should consider obtaining MLSO certification include perioperative nurses, perioperative educators, laser safety officers, biomedical/clinical engineers, radiation safety officers, surgical technologists, dental assistants, aesthetic personnel and veterinary assistants.
Find out more and register today at medicallasersafety.com.
