Treatments using non-ionising (e.g. laser) radiation and sound
Some treatments – involving, for example, the use of laser beams, light, ultrasound or radiofrequency – may pose risks to human tissue. Since June 2019, treatments using radiation and sound have therefore been regulated by a Federal Act and an associated Ordinance. From 1 June 2024, persons carrying out such treatments require a certificate of competence.
Certain treatments using products that generate non-ionising radiation, such as laser beams or light, place substantial burdens on the irradiated tissue. If such treatments are not carried out properly, the skin, eyes and other tissue may be exposed to significant risks. To keep the risks to a minimum, appropriate measures – as explained below – are specified in the Federal Act on Protection against the Risks associated with Non-Ionising Radiation and with Sound (NIRSA). The measures are defined in more detail in the associated Ordinance (O-NIRSA). The Act and the Ordinance came into force on 1 June 2019. From 1 June 2024, persons carrying out such treatments require a certificate of competence.
Treatments using non-ionising radiation or sound: general information on the certificates of competence
What treatments require a certificate of competence? What certificates of competence are there?
Structure and content of training and exam for a certificate of competence
What do the training and exam involve? What prerequisites are there?
Information for persons who wish to acquire a certificate of competence
From which examining bodies can a certificate of competence be obtained? What should be kept in mind?
ePortal NISSG: list of persons with a certificate of competence for treatments with non-ionising radiation
Persons with certificates of competence for treatments with non-ionising radiation who have given their consent to the publication of their data are listed in the ePortal NISSG. You can find this portal under the following link:
Information for prospective examining bodies
How do I become an examining body for a certificate of competence?
Treatments, procedures and techniques subject to medical supervision and prohibited treatments
Which treatments may only be carried out by physicians or by practice personnel directly instructed by them and which treatments are fully prohibited?
Treatments using non-ionising radiation and sound: FAQs
Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about treatments using non-ionising radiation and sound.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Non-ionising Radiation and Dosimetry Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern