Bill Name: House Bill 885 (HB 885)

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Deanna Frazier Gordon

Status: 03/04/2026 Introduced to House, referred to Committee on Committees

AmSpa’s Take: In most states, estheticians are limited to treating the skin surface and are prohibited from piercing into the living tissue. As cosmetic medical procedures have grown in popularity, licensing boards have needed to provide guidance on where the scope of practice line is. Bills like these are often meant to clearly define scopes of practice.

Analysis: Currently in Kentucky, as in most states, estheticians can provide a number of skin care services but are prohibited from providing treatments that qualify as the practice of medicine. In Kentucky’s case, estheticians are able to perform certain cosmetic medical treatments under the immediate supervision of a physician. If passed, HB 885 more clearly defines what medical procedures require medical oversight.

Under HB 885 estheticians and cosmetologists would be prohibited from performing the following treatments, unless they are under the immediate supervision of a licensed physician:

• Botox or collagen injections;
• Laser treatments;
• Or any treatment that goes beyond the stratum germinativum.

The bill doesn’t define “immediate supervision.” But in current cosmetology board rules it means that the physician is physically present in the same room while the procedures are being performed. 

HB 885 would also prohibit estheticians and cosmetologists from performing piercings, permanent makeup or microblading unless they hold the appropriate license. 

If you would like additional information, to read the language of this bill or to contact the sponsors or committee, you can find the information you need through here: HB 885.