FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1779

C 187 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning esthetics.

Sponsors: House Committee on Business & Financial Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Kirby and Ryu).

House Committee on Business & Financial Services

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:

An esthetician license allows for:

• the care of the skin by application and use of various products, devices, equipment, and techniques;

• the temporary removal of superfluous hair;

• tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows; and

• lightening of hair, except the scalp.

The Department of Licensing (Department) licenses estheticians, including:

• establishing curricula for the training of students and apprentices;

• preparing and administering the exams;

• establishing minimum safety and sanitation standards; and

• adopting rules.

The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) oversees the state apprenticeship program within the Department of Labor and Industries. The WSATC establishes apprenticeship program standards, approves apprenticeship training programs, and otherwise governs apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeship is another path to receiving a license for esthetics. An apprenticeship program for esthetics must be approved by the WSATC. An apprenticeship salon/shop must provide the Department with a list of individuals acting as apprentice trainers. These trainers must be approved by the Department, must have a current license in esthetics, and must have held that license for a minimum of three consecutive years. An apprenticeship salon/shop must post a notice to consumers stating that the shop participates in the apprenticeship program and that apprentices are in training and not yet licensed. The programs have various record-keeping and reporting requirements.

Minimum Training Hours.

To receive an esthetics license, a person must meet training requirements and pass an exam. The minimum training hours required at a school is 600 hours for an esthetician. The minimum training hours required by an approved apprenticeship program is 800 hours for an esthetician.

Reciprocity.

A reciprocity provision allows a person with the equivalent license in another state to obtain a license by paying a fee and passing the examination.

Summary:

Licensure of estheticians is broken into two categories, estheticians and master estheticians. A number of changes are made to reflect the creation of the additional master esthetician license category.

Scope of Practice.

The definition of the "practice of esthetics" is modified to include light peels. The practice of esthetics does not include the use of lasers or the administration of injections.

"Practice of master esthetics" includes all of the methods allowed in the definition of the practice of esthetics. It also includes the performance of medium depth peels and the use of medical devices for care of the skin and permanent hair reduction. The medical devices include, but are not limited to, lasers, light, radio frequency, plasma, intense pulsed light, and ultrasound. The use of a medical device must comply with state law and rules, including any laws or rules that require delegation or supervision by a licensed health professional acting within the scope of practice of that health profession.

Minimum Training Hours.

The minimum training hours required at a school is increased to 750 hours for an esthetician. For a master esthetician license, the minimum training hours required is either:

• 1,200 hours; or

• esthetician licensure plus 450 hours of training.

The minimum training hours required for an apprentice remains 800 hours for an esthetician. For a master esthetician it is 1,400 hours.

Transition to New Licenses.

Prior to January 1, 2015, any person holding an active license in good standing as an esthetician may continue to be licensed as an esthetician after paying the appropriate license fee.

Prior to January 1, 2015, an applicant for a master esthetician license must have an active license in good standing as an esthetician, pay the appropriate license fee, and provide the Department with proof of having satisfied one or more of the following requirements:

• a combination of specific training and/or experience regarding medium depth peels and the use of lasers;

• a national or international diploma or certification in esthetics that is recognized by the Department by rule;

• an instructor in esthetics who has been licensed as an instructor in esthetics by the Department for a minimum of three years; or

• completion of 1,200 hours of an esthetic curriculum approved by the Department.

Reciprocity.

The Director of the Department (Director) must, upon passage of the required examination, issue a license as master esthetician to an applicant who submits:

• an application;

• the fee;

• proof that the applicant is currently licensed in good standing in esthetics in another licensing jurisdiction; and

• proof that the applicant meets specific education requirements.

The Director may, upon passage of the required examination, issue a master esthetician license to an applicant that is currently licensed in esthetics and submits an application and fee, and:

• proof that he or she is licensed in good standing in another licensing jurisdiction and that license is substantially equivalent to a master esthetician license in Washington; or

• proof that the applicant meets specific education requirements.

Votes on Final Passage: