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

The North Carolina Medical Board's position is that, except as discussed in the statement, businesses practicing medicine in North Carolina must be owned entirely by people holding active North Carolina licenses. It recognizes exceptions for entities such as hospitals, HMOs, public health clinics and charitable nonprofits. Licensees who provide services for businesses that violate this may face discipline.

Source: Position Statement 10.1.2: Corporate Practice of Medicine

Board guidance — may not be bindingPublished or effective Sep 2025Checked Sep 14, 2026

The North Carolina Medical Board's position is that altering human tissue with laser technology is surgery. Non-physicians may perform laser procedures only when the delegating physician bears full responsibility. Physician supervision should preferably be on-site, though 'readily available' supervision may be acceptable depending on factors such as the procedure and the training of the person performing it. Each patient must be examined by a physician, PA or NP before the first laser hair or tattoo removal treatment.

Source: Position Statement 5.1.2: Laser Surgery

Board guidance — may not be bindingPublished or effective May 2021Checked Sep 14, 2026

A 2022 declaratory ruling of the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners says dermaplaning and microneedling fall within esthetician and cosmetologist scope when intended to stimulate the skin. Its examples include microneedling devices no deeper than 1 mm and light chemical exfoliation such as TCA under 20%. Estheticians may not use any product, device or technique that penetrates beyond the epidermis. Devices in FDA laser classes 3, 3A, 3B or 4, or radiation-emitting devices, are not within scope.

Source: Esthetic Scope - Intent of the Service Declaratory Ruling

Board guidance — may not be bindingPublished or effective Jul 25, 2022Checked Sep 14, 2026