South Carolina
Medical oversight overview
In South Carolina, aesthetic medical procedures utilizing lasers, light sources, or radiofrequency devices are classified as medical treatments and invasive surgery governed by the Board of Medical Examiners. When these treatments are delegated to advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, or registered nurses, they must operate under specific physician supervision, written practice agreements, or statutory delegation protocols. Practitioners are required to examine patients prior to initial treatments or prior to authorizing non-physicians to perform procedures. Patients should verify individual practitioner credentials and consult the official state board regarding specific operational requirements.
What the cited source supports
This guidance issued by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners clarifies that light-based and energy-based aesthetic procedures constitute the practice of medicine and outline physician supervision, delegation, and patient examination mandates. However, it does not provide an exhaustive commercial MedSpa licensing statute, so stakeholders must verify specific facility regulations directly with the board.