Ohio Cosmetology Board Proposes New Scope of Practice Rules

Posted By American Med Spa Association, Tuesday, October 8, 2019

The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board has proposed a number of administrative rules amendments that more clearly define the scope of practice of cosmetologists and aestheticians. These proposed amendments are open for public discussion, which will take place at a public hearing on Nov. 8 at 9 am in the Board Room at 1929 Gateway Circle in Grove City, Ohio.
The proposed amendments would change what procedures aestheticians and cosmetologists are prohibited from performing. (You can read the proposed amendments here and here.) Subsection (K) is amended to prohibit services that ablate, damage or alter any living cells. It names specific treatments that are excluded, such as “cyro” or “cool”-sculpting, microneedling, plasma pen or fibroblast skin tightening, and the removal of minor skin imperfections such as tags, moles or angiomas. The specific list is not exhaustive, so any sort of treatment of modality that damages or alters the living tissue would be prohibited.
This is a substantial change from the prior language of this section. Formerly, it prohibited licensees from using Class II or Class III medical devices only. The new language, in a practical sense, also will prohibit the use of these devices, as their functions likely are included in the broader “ablate, damage or alter any living tissue” language.
It is important to note that these are newly proposed and are not yet officially adopted. However, you may want to begin reviewing your own practices to see if any changes would be needed if these rules become official. If you have any questions or concerns, you may wish to attend the public meeting next month.