SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 2407

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: NOVEMBER 24, 1997

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

      This bill 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 five members: 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. Electrologists are trained in the use of electrolysis for removing excess hair from the skin. Electrolysis is the process of removing hair roots by an electric current.

      Applicants for licensure as an electrologist must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, have successfully completed high school or its equivalent, have successfully completed an electrology education program approved by the board, which shall include at least 200 hours of instruction in the theory of electrology and at least 400 hours of instruction in the clinical practice of electrology (if from another state, the applicants must have completed a substantially equivalent electrology education program), and pass a board examination.

      An applicant for an electrology instructor license must be licensed as an electrologist according the provisions of the bill, have been actively engaged in the practice of electrology for at least five years immediately preceding the date of application and pass a board examination.

      Only persons licensed under the bill may practice or teach electrology or use any title, word, or abbreviation indicating the practice or teaching of electrology, including "licensed electrologist" or "licensed electrology instructor," or the letters "L.E." or "L.E.I." However, the provisions of the bill do not apply to any person licensed to practice or certified to teach in this State under any other law.

      A person, firm, corporation, partnership or other legal entity is required to obtain an office license from the board before operating, maintaining or using any premises for the practice of electrology. The physical premises and operation of an office must meet minimum criteria established by the board, including the "Universal Precautions for Infection Control" criteria established by the Center for Disease Control, and an office may be inspected by the board.

      Written examinations are not required of applicants who hold a valid license issued by another state which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State; who present evidence, within 180 days of the effective date of the bill, that they have passed the written electrology certification examination of a nationally recognized board or agency approved by the board; or who apply within 180 days of the initial meeting of the committee and are residents of this State, have completed 120 hours of instruction in electrology at a school of electrology approved by the board, and have been actively engaged in the practice of electrology for at least five years immediately preceding application.

      The bill provides for continuing education as a condition of license renewal.

      The provisions of the uniform enforcement powers and procedures act, P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:14-1 et seq.), regarding disciplinary and remedial authority of professional boards, applies the provisions of this bill.