When researching a reputable laser hair removal clinic, what should I look for to protect myself from low quality technicians?

I would recommend going to a clinic where there is a doctor on site, not a "ghost doctor" who visits the clinic once or twice a month.  Laser hair removal was developed by dermatologists, who have the best understanding of laser/tissue interactions.  I would suggest going to a dermatology office with the doctor on site.  I don't think that it's necessary for the doctor to actually perform the procedure as long as there is close supervision.  In our office, burns from laser are extremely rare.  We don't treat people who are tan.  We use the 810 nm diode laser for patients with light skin and the 1064 nm YAG laser for patients with dark skin.

Best approach is to have the procedure done in a dermstologist's office. Results , & side effects depend on the machine type & the doctor's experience. Settings on the machine vary according to the skin color & hair color/thickness. A novice technician can definitely cause harm. 

The safest bet on getting treated properly is going to an office in which the doctor performs the procedure.  Laser burns are related to improper settings or treating with the wrong laser on your type of skin.  No office will offer money back guarantees.  Darker skin types need 1064 laser.  Lighter skin types can use either a diode laser or alexandrite.