|
Presidents Report – January
Micro-news
by Robin Hays, FAAM
STATE OF GEORGIA UPDATE
Tattooing within 1” of the eye socket (eyeliner and brows)
is prohibited by anyone but a physician in the state of Georgia.
This letter was sent to Plastic Surgeons offices in the state
of Georgia in December:
This law was put into place in 1993, by Georgia Ophthalmologist,
but is just now being enforced. We are currently working on legislation
in this area, as well as communicating with the medical board for
clarification. This will affect many of us in the field. If you
are currently working under a physician in the state of Georgia
or training individuals in this state, it is a must you read the
following letter. You can reach me at robin@robinhays.com,
if you have any further questions.
Board of Medicine Response
The Georgia Composite State Board of medical Examiners has received
complaints and queries concerning the legality of non-physicians
and/or licensed estheticains performing various procedures. Specifically,
it has come to the attention of the Board that certain procedures
are being delegated to non-physicians and/or estheticians under
the supervision of the physician and that patients are being referred
to independent non-physicians and/or estheticians for certain procedures.
In an effort to avoid further problems in this area, the Board has
directed that this letter be sent to the presidents of relevant
state professional societies and doctors informing them some of
the procedures that may violate laws regulating the practice of
medicine in Georgia.
Tattooing within 1” of the nearest part of the eye socket
is unlawful unless performed by a licensed physician. See O.C.G.A.
16-12-5. A violation of this code section is a misdemeanor under
the criminal code. Please note that this procedure may not be delegated
to a licensed esthetician or technician. In addition, an esthetician
is not authorized to independently perform this procedure by virtue
of his/her own license.
Physicians who are referring patients to persons not authorized
by law to perform these practices or procedures or are unlawfully
delegating the authority to perform these procedures to non-physicians
may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board, up to and including
revocation. Since the board realizes that there are misconceptions
concerning allowable activities by various personnel, some of which
are widespread and commonly accepted, the Board hopes to clarify
some misconceptions and problems that are now arising by notifying
the associations. Please make your membership and/or practice aware
of these issues. Please recognize that the fact that the practice
is widespread and commonly accepted will not be an excuse for failing
to adhere to laws regarding the practice of medicine.
Thank You for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Karen Mason/Executive director – Georgia Board of Medical
Examiners
|
