Kentucky: who may do what, and how to check a license

A Kentucky Board of Nursing advisory opinion says RNs may perform cosmetic and dermatological procedures under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider and may use that provider's standing orders or protocols. It defines supervision as the provider being physically on the premises or readily available by telephone. The procedures follow a documented initial assessment and treatment plan by a qualified provider. The opinion also says it is not within RN scope to independently practice, order products, prescribe treatments, or perform medical aesthetic procedures such as Botox or dermal fillers. Ablative laser and phenol peels are not within RN or LPN scope.

Source: Advisory Opinion Statement #35: Roles and Responsibilities of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures

Board guidance — may not be bindingPublished or effective Jun 2026Checked Sep 14, 2026

A Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure opinion says a physician may delegate laser procedures to certified or licensed non-physicians it has trained. The supervising physician should be physically present on site and immediately available, except for laser hair removal. The physician should perform and document an initial assessment before treatment. For laser hair removal, off-site treatment may be allowed, with a responsible physician for each patient and trained personnel who have completed at least 30 cases under the medical director's direct supervision.

Source: Board Opinion Relating to Laser Surgery

Board guidance — may not be bindingPublished or effective Jun 16, 2011Checked Sep 14, 2026

The same Kentucky Board of Nursing advisory opinion says IV hydration clinics are not regulated in Kentucky. IV fluids, with or without added medications, must be ordered by a qualified healthcare provider (MD, APRN, PA or dentist), with a medical assessment or screening by that provider and consent. RNs may use standing orders or protocols approved and signed by a qualified provider. The opinion also says no more than two sterile products may be added to a bag of IV fluids.

Source: Advisory Opinion Statement #35: Roles and Responsibilities of Nurses in Cosmetic and Dermatological Procedures

Board guidance — may not be bindingPublished or effective Jun 2026Checked Sep 14, 2026

A Kentucky Board of Cosmetology regulation bars esthetics and cosmetology licensees from procedures that cut or alter human tissue with laser energy or ionizing radiation. It also bars any product, device or procedure that penetrates the skin beyond the stratum germinativum, and says medical procedures may not be performed by these licensees. The regulation also limits certain microneedling and chemical peel strengths unless done under physician or health care practitioner supervision.

Source: 201 KAR 12:280, Esthetic practices restrictions

Law or regulationPublished or effective Dec 2, 2025Checked Sep 14, 2026