I have read that some states allow "advanced practitioners" to perform hair transplants, is that different than a hair tech?

It would be illegal in general for non doctor to perform hair transplant surgery.  In theory a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician's Assistant (PA) can perform certain parts of the surgery.  However, why would you go to a doctor who has someone else perform the surgery?Some cosmetic clinics that offer hair transplant on the side have techs do 99% of the surgery.  This is illegal but it is done.  Let's hypothetically say that the techs are better than doctors.  Again, why would you go to the doctor in the first place to have surgery done by an unknown tech?  

This is an excellent question.  Hair transplantation is surgery, and should be performed by physicians.  Legally, states may allow mid-level providers, such as licensed nurse practitioners and licensed physician assistants, to perform the FUE extractions.  However, if the person performing the procedure is not a licensed physician or licensed mid-level, then it is most likely the procedure is being performed illegally and should be reported to the state medical board.

You ask very good questions. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has a warning about the proliferation of clinics that use technicians for the whole procedure. Unethical providers who want to add income to their practice will use this approach. There are only about 100 full time hair transplant surgeons in the USA. 

Only an MD can perform anesthesia, and the incision making of an FUE or strip surgery in most of the US States