SPRINGFIELD – To promote healthy body image, State Senator Karina Villa passed a law to facilitate practices for affordable access to laser hair removal treatment.

“Appearance plays a major role in how people see themselves,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “We must maintain the safety of laser hair removal while increasing accessibility."

The new law allows trained professionals, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, to perform non-ablative laser hair removal procedures as long as a physician delegated it and supervision protocol is in place.

The law also provides that an on-site physician exam is not required prior to these procedures under specific conditions and will allow an advanced practice registered nurse to conduct the exam in place of a physician.

“People who live with hormone imbalances or skin conditions that cause unwanted hair growth will benefit from this increased access to laser hair removal,” said Villa. “This law will help people find an increased sense of self-esteem.”

House Bill 4357 was signed into law Aug. 9, and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.