South Carolina committee reviews new regulations for estheticians and med spas
January 30, 2025 | Labor, Commerce and Industry, Standing, Senate, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina
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The South Carolina Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee convened on January 30, 2025, to discuss several regulatory matters, including updates to the licensure process for cosmetologists and the role of estheticians in medical procedures.
One of the primary topics was a regulation from the Board of Cosmetology aimed at clarifying the scope of practice for estheticians. The committee addressed concerns that some estheticians were performing procedures beyond their training, such as surgical-type interventions. The regulation seeks to explicitly state that estheticians are not licensed medical professionals and outlines limitations on their practices, particularly regarding the use of needles and the depth of skin penetration for procedures like microneedling.
Senators expressed the need for clear boundaries between cosmetic and medical practices, especially as the popularity of medical spas increases. The regulation specifies that estheticians can only use devices that penetrate the skin to a depth of 1.4 millimeters, preventing them from performing more invasive procedures like Botox injections, which must be conducted by licensed medical professionals.
Additionally, the committee discussed a new process for out-of-state applicants seeking cosmetology licensure in South Carolina. This regulation aims to streamline the application process for those moving to the state, allowing them to obtain licensure based on their existing qualifications from other states.
The meeting also touched on compliance with federal OSHA regulations regarding workplace complaints and the continuing education requirements for social work examiners and code enforcement officers. The committee approved several regulations, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving industry standards while ensuring public safety.
Overall, the discussions highlighted the committee's commitment to regulating the cosmetology profession effectively, balancing the need for accessibility in licensure with the imperative of public health and safety. The approved regulations will now move forward for further consideration by the full Senate.
One of the primary topics was a regulation from the Board of Cosmetology aimed at clarifying the scope of practice for estheticians. The committee addressed concerns that some estheticians were performing procedures beyond their training, such as surgical-type interventions. The regulation seeks to explicitly state that estheticians are not licensed medical professionals and outlines limitations on their practices, particularly regarding the use of needles and the depth of skin penetration for procedures like microneedling.
Senators expressed the need for clear boundaries between cosmetic and medical practices, especially as the popularity of medical spas increases. The regulation specifies that estheticians can only use devices that penetrate the skin to a depth of 1.4 millimeters, preventing them from performing more invasive procedures like Botox injections, which must be conducted by licensed medical professionals.
Additionally, the committee discussed a new process for out-of-state applicants seeking cosmetology licensure in South Carolina. This regulation aims to streamline the application process for those moving to the state, allowing them to obtain licensure based on their existing qualifications from other states.
The meeting also touched on compliance with federal OSHA regulations regarding workplace complaints and the continuing education requirements for social work examiners and code enforcement officers. The committee approved several regulations, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving industry standards while ensuring public safety.
Overall, the discussions highlighted the committee's commitment to regulating the cosmetology profession effectively, balancing the need for accessibility in licensure with the imperative of public health and safety. The approved regulations will now move forward for further consideration by the full Senate.
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