Standards of Practice
Ensuring Safe, Ethical, &
Evidence-Based Dermatologic Care
The Bharat Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery (BSLMS) is committed to establishing and promoting high standards of clinical practice in laser dermatology, energy-based devices (EBDs), rejuvenative medicine, and regenerative dermatology in India.
These Standards of Practice serve as a guiding framework for dermatologists to deliver safe, effective, ethical, and scientifically grounded care, while adapting to the unique clinical, biological, and social considerations of Indian patients.
All BSLMS members are expected to understand, respect, and apply these standards in their professional practice.
Standards of Practice
Ensuring Safe, Ethical, &
Evidence-Based Dermatologic Care
The Bharat Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery (BSLMS) is committed to establishing and promoting high standards of clinical practice in laser dermatology, energy-based devices (EBDs), rejuvenative medicine, and regenerative dermatology in India.
These Standards of Practice serve as a guiding framework for dermatologists to deliver safe, effective, ethical, and scientifically grounded care, while adapting to the unique clinical, biological, and social considerations of Indian patients.
All BSLMS members are expected to understand, respect, and apply these standards in their professional practice.
Scope of Practice
BSLMS standards apply exclusively to qualified dermatologists and dermatology trainees practicing within their legally recognized scope of training and certification.
- All procedures must be performed by, or under the supervision of, a qualified dermatologist
- Members must practice within the limits of their education, training, and experience
- Procedures outside the scope of formal dermatology training are discouraged
Patient Safety as the Highest Priority
Patient safety is the cornerstone of all BSLMS standards.
Members are expected to :
- Prioritize patient welfare over commercial or aesthetic considerations
- Conduct thorough patient evaluation and medical history review
- Identify contraindications and risk factors prior to treatment
- Use appropriate safety protocols for devices and procedures
- Ensure availability of emergency response protocols
Unsafe, experimental, or inadequately supported treatments that place patients at risk are strongly discouraged.
Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
BSLMS promotes science-driven dermatologic care.
Members should :
- Base clinical decisions on validated scientific evidence
- Follow established treatment protocols and clinical guidelines
- Apply sound clinical judgment when adapting protocols to individual patients
- Stay updated with evolving research and clinical data
Treatments should not be promoted or performed solely based on trends, marketing claims, or commercial influence.
India-Specific Clinical Considerations
Recognizing the diversity of Indian skin types and patient expectations, BSLMS emphasizes :
Program Format
- Careful assessment of skin type and pigmentation risk
- Conservative parameter selection for laser and EBD procedures
- Awareness of higher risks of post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Adaptation of protocols to Indian climatic and lifestyle factors
India-specific safety considerations and outcome considerations must guide treatment planning.
Ethical Use of Technology
Members are expected to use lasers, EBDs, and regenerative technologies responsibly.
This includes :
- Appropriate device selection based on clinical indication
- Avoidance of unnecessary or excessive procedures
- Transparent discussion of realistic outcomes with patients
- Avoidance of exaggerated claims or guarantees
Technology should support patient care and must not replace clinical judgment.
Informed Consent & Patient Communication
Clear communication is an essential standard of practice.
Members must :
- Obtain informed consent prior to all procedures
- Explain risks, benefits, alternatives, and limitations clearly
- Discuss expected outcomes and possible complications
- Maintain honesty in patient counseling and marketing practices
Documentation & Record-Keeping
Proper clinical documentation is mandatory.
Members should :
- Maintain accurate and complete patient records
- Document treatment parameters and device settings
- Record adverse events and management steps
- Preserve confidentiality of patient information
Good documentation supports patient safety, quality improvement, and professional accountability.
Complication Prevention & Management
BSLMS emphasizes proactive complication prevention and management.
Members should :
- Be adequately trained in complication prevention strategies
- Recognize complications at an early stage
- Manage adverse events promptly and appropriately
- Refer patients when necessary
Ignoring, or concealing, or inadequately managing complications is considered a breach of professional standards.
Continuous Professional Development
Members are expected to engage in ongoing professional education.
This includes :
- Participation in CME programs
- Skill upgradation through workshops and structured training
- Staying informed about advances and updated clinical protocols
BSLMS encourages lifelong learning as a core professional responsibility.
Ethical Education & Mentorship
Members involved in teaching or mentorship must :
- Share knowledge responsibly and accurately
- Provide unbiased and evidence-based guidance
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Promote ethical clinical decision-making
Educational activities must prioritize learning outcomes and patient safety over promotion.
Research & Academic Standards
Members participating in research must :
- Follow accepted ethical research guidelines
- Obtain necessary regulatory approvals and patient consent
- Maintain honesty and integrity in data collection and reporting
- Disclose conflicts of interest
Scientific integrity is non-negotiable.
Industry Interaction & Conflict of Interest
BSLMS supports transparent and ethical clinician-industry relationships.
Members must :
- Disclose relevant financial or professional relationships
- Avoid bias in education, research, or clinical recommendations
- Ensure that patient interests remain the primary consideration
Educational content should remain free from promotional influence.
Professional Conduct & Respect
Members are expected to maintain respectful professional behavior.
This includes :
- Non-discriminatory practice
- Collegial and ethical professional interactions
- Ethical advertising and communication
- Respect for patients, colleagues, trainees, and staff
Harassment, misrepresentation, or unethical conduct is not tolerated.
Use of BSLMS Name & Affiliation
Members may use BSLMS affiliation responsibly.
- The Society’s name or logo must not be misused
- BSLMS positions must not be misrepresented
- Society affiliation must not imply endorsement of products or services
Compliance & Accountability
Failure to adhere to these Standards of Practice may result in :
- Review by the BSLMS Ethics or Governance Committee
- Advisory, corrective, or remedial guidance
- Suspension or termination of membership in serious or repeated violations