Certification: Eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI
Presenters: Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, FAORN, FAAN, Perioperative Consultants, LLC and Patti Owens, MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR AestheticMed Consulting International, LLC
This educational webinar highlights the importance of training and certifying Biomedical Engineers to serve as Medical Laser Safety Officers (MLSO) in your facility.
Biomedical engineers should be Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) because their technical expertise with medical devices, understanding of safety protocols, and familiarity with equipment maintenance and calibration make them ideal for managing complex laser systems and ensuring patient, staff, and public safety in healthcare environments. Their technical background directly aligns with the need for precise risk assessment, implementation of control measures, and adherence to strict ANSI standards.
Over 50% of laser-based hospitals and outpatient surgical centers are considered deficient because they lack an MLSO, which puts patients and staff at risk. Without proper credentialing, classified laser systems, updated standard operating procedures, or appropriate protective eyewear, serious injuries can happen. Incidents can quickly lead to costly penalties, regulatory actions, and litigation. Ensuring compliance with national regulations, state laws, laser standards, and practice guidelines is essential for fostering a culture of safety.
Course objectives will include the duties of the MLSO, a specially trained professional responsible for ensuring the safe use of lasers in medical settings such as hospitals, surgical centers, vision clinics, or dermatology offices. This webinar will review the MLSO role as defined and guided by ANSI Z136.3, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for the Safe Use of Lasers in Healthcare. In addition, the webinar will discuss the benefits of having Biomedical Engineers assume this regulatory role within the facility-based laser program.
Sponsored by
Thank you to today’s sponsor MLSO. For more information, visit medicallasersafety.com.
Vangie Dennis is a consultant for Perioperative Consulting, LLC. Professional organizations include the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN), American Association for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Laser Institute of America, AORN Specialty Assemblies, and the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery.
Patti Owens, MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR
Patti Owens, with her extensive experience in the field of medical safety programs and laser safety, provides valuable consultation services. She has held significant roles, such as the Nursing/Allied Health Chairperson of ASLMS, and has been recognized for her excellence with the Nurse Excellence Award in 1999 and 2014. Patti has also served as the board’s ASLMS Nursing-Allied Health Representative and the Laser Safety Officer. Currently, she is serving as a co-chairman to establish Safety Practice Standards for ASLMS. Patti’s expertise is sought after by various laser companies and professional organizations, including her appointment as the principal medical and aesthetic instructor for Rockwell Laser Industries. She has recently been appointed to the BLS Board of Commissioners – 2025 – 2027 and received the R. James Rockwell Jr. Education Achievement award. She is an active member of the ANSI Z136.3 committee, where she has served for 11 years as the acting secretary. Patti is also a member on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC 76 WG4 and WG12.
* MD Publishing takes every precaution to ensure accuracy of content; however, the information, opinions, and statements expressed in the webinars and advertisements herein are those of the writer and/or advertiser, and not those of our company.
