The New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons (NYSSPS) is voicing strong opposition to legislation currently under consideration in Albany, A1916 (Paulin)/S6231 (Webb), which would allow estheticians and cosmetologists to perform laser hair removal without any oversight by a licensed healthcare professional.

NYSSPS warns that while laser hair removal is widely sought after, it involves the use of FDA-regulated medical devices capable of causing serious injuries such as burns, scarring, and pigmentation changes when administered improperly. These risks are particularly heightened for individuals with darker skin tones, who face a greater likelihood of complications like hyperpigmentation or paradoxical hair growth.

Citing a 2021 study published by the American Dermatology Society, NYSSPS notes that 83% of laser-related lawsuits involved nonphysicians or non-specialty physicians, underscoring the critical need for qualified oversight in these procedures.

“Training alone is not sufficient,” the Society stated. “Oversight from trained medical professionals is essential to ensure patient safety and prompt treatment if complications arise.”

Currently, 35 states classify laser hair removal as a medical procedure, and 39 require physician oversight. New York stands out as one of the few states lacking any statutory or regulatory framework—something NYSSPS believes must be addressed with greater accountability, not less.

NYSSPS is urging lawmakers to oppose A1916/S6231 in its current form, and requests that laser hair removal instead be classified as a medical procedure, to be performed or supervised only by licensed healthcare practitioners.

While the Society supports the goal of establishing clearer training standards, it stresses that any meaningful reform must include an oversight structure. NYSSPS believes this is the only way to protect New Yorkers and uphold the standards of care they deserve.

Take Action and contact your legislators today!

The Grieving Families Act (Wrongful Death) bill has passed the New York State Senate and will be debated in the Assembly Judiciary Committee tomorrow, June 4th. 

We strongly encourage you to take action by using this form to contact your legislators directly. By utilizing this platform, you can express your opposition to the reintroduced bill and convey the critical importance of preserving a thriving plastic surgery community in New York.

Background

This is a bill that was previously vetoed by Governor Hochul and has resurfaced in the form of a reintroduced bill (S.4423, A.6063). This bill seeks to expand damages awarded in wrongful death cases, which could have severe consequences for our healthcare community. It threatens to escalate liability insurance premiums, further burdening our practices and hindering our ability to provide quality care to our patients.

Our collective voice is powerful, and by coming together, we can make an impact. We urge you to act swiftly and contact your legislators today, emphasizing the negative consequences this bill could have on our profession and the patients who depend on us for their healthcare needs.

The 2025 MSSNY House of Delegates reaffirmed strong support for medical liability reform. However, a major threat looms: Wrongful Death Expansion (A6063/S4423) has passed the Senate and awaits Assembly action.

This bill would significantly increase malpractice exposure in New York—already the highest payout state in the nation—and could further strain access to care.

Take action now:
Visit the NYSSPS Legislative Action Center to urge the Governor and your Assemblymember to oppose this legislation.

More policy updates here: MSSNY 2025 HOD Summary

Join NYSSPS and The Doctors Company for an accredited webinar on major allegations in plastic surgery claims over the past 15 years.

Session Objectives:

• Identify trends and risk factors in plastic surgery claims

• Improve informed consent and cultural competence

• Address bias in clinical encounters

Speaker: Lisa McCorkle, MSN, MBA, RN, CPPS, CPHRM, CPHQ
Accreditation: 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Register today!

On May 7, 2025, the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons met with lawmakers in Albany to advocate for legislation that protects patients and promotes the value of physician-led care.

NYSSPS supported:

• Gold Card Prior Authorization Reform (A2352): Streamlines approval for high-performing physicians to reduce delays in care.

• Overpayment Recovery Limits (A3365/S5209): Caps insurance clawbacks to 3 months, improving practice sustainability.

• Truth in Advertising: Increases transparency about healthcare professional credentials and training.

NYSSPS opposed:

• Wrongful Death Expansion (A6063/S4423): This costly bill has passed the Senate this week and awaits Assembly action.

• Non-physician Microneedling and Laser Hair Removal (A3084a; A1916/S6231): Procedures with real risks that must remain under medical supervision.

Advocacy Win:

Assembly Bill A5469 proposed to modify New York State Tax Law to apply a sales tax on elective cosmetic procedures. 

If passed, A5469 would have imposed new taxes on services such as elective aesthetic surgeries, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and potentially deterring access to medically appropriate procedures that enhance quality of life, even if not deemed reconstructive by strict definitions.

Thanks to strong opposition from NYSSPS and other stakeholders, the bill did not advance and the enacting clause was stricken, preventing it from moving forward this session.

Follow our legislative priorities 

by: Richard F. Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company

Healthcare practitioners often receive inquiries from students seeking opportunities to shadow or observe, volunteer, or learn through a formal clinical rotation. High schools may offer programs and courses that focus on careers related to medicine, dentistry, or nursing. The requests for shadowing experiences can also come from college and vocational students.

Understanding what being a healthcare professional entails is critical for any individual considering a career in the industry. Observing, volunteering, and mentoring opportunities may be rewarding for the professional and benefit the learner by fulfilling requisite application criteria. Although it is a great opportunity to promote your profession, it is also important to recognize the risks to your patients, employees, and your practice if you decide to accommodate such requests.

Before deciding to allow students into your office, explore their personal expectations as well as the impact it could have on your practice. Identify and validate the program associated with the inquiry and understand the objectives that are expected to be achieved. It is important for practitioners to differentiate between shadowing or observing, volunteering, and a formal clinical rotation in which direct patient care is provided.

Learn more

NYSSPS encourages members to participate in the upcoming ASPS Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. Join colleagues from across the country to meet with federal legislators and advance key issues in plastic surgery.

More information and registration: ASPS Advocacy Summit

The New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons (NYSSPS) is pleased to announce the launch of its Resident Advocacy Fellowship Program!

This initiative will provide residents with firsthand experience in advocacy, giving them the tools they need to influence policies impacting patient care and the profession.

By participating, residents will:

• Gain exposure to healthcare policy issues

• Engage directly with policymakers and legislative leaders

• Develop advocacy and leadership skills

• Build connections with experienced plastic surgeons and mentors

More information about the program can be found online:  https://nyssps.org/Resident-Advocacy   

Deadline to apply for the first round is May 31, 2025.   

Fellowship awards and travel expenses provided to the top three applicants: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nysspsfellowship