Low Level Laser Therapy to Eliminate Smoking Addictions

Information was received introducing a business that proposes to provide “low level” laser therapy to target areas of the face, ears, and hands to assist persons to eliminate smoking addiction.  This therapy reportedly releases endorphins that aid in curtailing the physical dependency on cigarettes.  It was indicated that a nurse wished to open an office to promote a healthy lifestyle through smoking cessation and to be able to independently administer safe cold laser therapy to people who want to quit smoking.

Following discussion of the information provided, and the statutes governing nursing  practice, it was the advisory opinion of the Board that a nurse’s practice should be consistent with the Kentucky Nursing Laws, established standards of practice, and be evidence based.  The Board is not aware of any scientific evidence to prove that laser therapy is beneficial for smoking cessation.

It should be assured that scientifically valid data exists that supports the validity and efficacy of this practice before it is offered to the public.  Nurses are cautioned regarding making health-related claims that are not scientifically based or supported by reliable and valid research.  Nurses should rely upon research findings that are based on studies that include data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and use a sound research design and not based solely on anecdotal and personal experiences and opinions of individuals.  Nurses may wish to seek advice from nurse researchers in interpreting the usefulness and scientific reliability of published information. 

Should evidence/literature supporting a scientific basis for this practice be available, please provide the information to the Board for consideration.

Further, nurses should be aware that KRS Chapter 367, the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, prohibits the making of commercial claims that are fraudulent or deceptive. 

The Kentucky Nursing Laws (KRS Chapter 314) do not prohibit a nurse from operating a retail enterprise.  The nurse is accountable and responsible for utilizing his/her nursing knowledge, judgment, and skill, and providing health-related practices with reasonable skill and safety.  The nurse, in providing nursing services, is responsible and accountable for assuring that the client or legal guardian is provided with sufficient information about the proposed modalities in order for the client to give informed consent as needed.