Educate the citizens of North Carolina though public awareness information. Protect consumer's interest with respect and regard to choice and differences of hair removal through mandatory continuing education, inspection of each office and each practitioner. Ensure credentials meet standards of competency without misrepresentation of status and working with associated Boards as Rules apply.
Agency Overview
Current Performance:
The North Carolina Board of Electrolysis Examiners (NCBEE) is
responsible for the oversight and licensing of electrologists in the
state of North Carolina. Licenses are renewed annually. Each licensee is
inspected and must also demonstrate completion of certified continuing
education credits at the time of license renewal. Documentation for 10
hours of pre-approved continuing education (1.0 CEU) must be submitted
for proof of license renewal and accompanied by appropriate fees. While
a portion of CEUs may be obtained via Home Studies, licensees are
encouraged to obtain "hands-on" or interactive training via seminars
offered by practitioner associations. All documentation is reviewed by
the License Renewal Chairman after which a renewal license is issued to
each practitioner. The Board is also responsible for testing and
certifying new applicants for license as new electrologists and/or
instructors. A process for reciprocity is available to practitioners
relocating to North Carolina from a licensed state with at least 600 hrs
training. Every electrologist at every location where a practice is
maintained must be inspected annually.
Major Initiatives and
Progress
HB 726 was passed and became effective October 1, 2007. This new
legislation allows laser and light based hair removal practitioners to
be licensed under the Board's authority as a licensee without direct
supervision of a physician; however, the practitioner must have a
sponsoring physician licensed by the NC Medical Board. The NCBEE is in
the process of writing the rules pertaining to this legislation (NCAC
Chapter 19), as well as other updates to modify fees and other
procedures. It is the ambition of the Board to encourage educational
facilities to be in compliance with the new law. One major initiative is
to support on-line education so that a portion of a practitioner's
initial training may be obtained through an accredited school.
The NCBEE website has been updated and edited as needed to facilitate access to pertinent
legislation, rules, forms and processes for our licensees and potential
licensees.
Customer and Workload Trends
The number of practicing and licensed electrologists has slowly
dwindled over time. With new legislation bringing laser and light based
hair reduction under the NCBEE, we expect additional volume in
licensees. The actual number is still unknown, but a great deal of
public interest has been shown since the new laser legislation was
enacted. The new law has brought many existing laser practitioners under
the purview of the Board. To meet this demand, steps are being taken to
identify and approve more schools of electrolysis training for new
licensees. The availability of on-line access, as mentioned above, will
encourage interested parties to enter the profession. With the
expectation of more revenue due to increased interest in the profession,
the administration and function of the Board will be more secure.
Future Direction, Expectations, and Priorities
The new legislation incorporating laser and light based technology
under the NCBEE’s authority has changed the direction and
responsibilities of the board. Developing rules that implement the
legislation in a manner that protects the public safety is one of our
major priorities at this time. Adjusting those rules as experience
develops will be crucial. We are also actively working to improve our
new website and develop improved, streamlined annual processes.
Challenges
The new legislation has brought about extra work load for both the
board and our part-time office administrator. Of this work, the
development of new rules is one of our greatest challenges. In addition,
determining how to accredit courses and instructors in a field of laser
hair removal with no set national standard of accreditation will be a
challenge. Adapting to board turn-over and lack of institutional
knowledge of new board members remains a continual challenge. Finally,
ensuring that our budget can sustain our legislative mandate over time
is another challenge.
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