Meeting the needs of laser users in rural settings training the messenger

Diversity of laser procedures in medicine and surgery is increasing. The needed skills, of the healthcare professional responsible for disseminating the technological advances in relation to lasers, become more sophisticated. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), designates the Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO) as the controller and effector of laser hazards. This individual by definition does not exist in a majority of rural settings. Also, the educator within the rural hospital environment has special concerns that will be addressed in this treatise.