ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 2407

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 20, 1997

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2407 (1R).

      Assembly Bill No. 2407 (1R) provides for the licensing of electrologists and electrology instructors. It establishes a five-member "Electrologists Advisory Committee" under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Medical Examiners in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The committee is to consist of a licensed New Jersey physician, three electrologists, and one public member who will represent consumer interests. The committee will advise the Board of Medical Examiners regarding standards of practice, licensing qualifications, electrology education programs, and inspections of electrologists' offices.

      To be eligible, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent; must have successfully completed an electrology education program that includes at least 200 hours of instruction in the theory of electrology and at least 400 hours of clinical instruction. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination administered or approved by the Board of Medical Examiners.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      According to information from the Electrology Association of New Jersey there are approximately 500 electrologists eligible for licenses. The Division of Consumer Affairs informally estimated a cost of $114,000 the first year, $103,000 in the second and $108,000 in the third. The bill requires that fee receipts fully defray the administrative expenses of this licensing program.