July 2009

In This Issue:

• Message From The Secretary
• Message From The Chair
• Message From The Executive Director
• Board Briefs
• Rule Update
• Rule Reminders
• Material Data Safety Sheets
• Continuing Education Tidbits
• Licensee Numbers
• New License Application Center
• eNewsroom

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Message From The Secretary

With this economic downturn, many of us find ourselves struggling to use existing resources more frugally and to cut costs wherever possible.  This renewed focus on fiscal responsibility is happening across the board—at state agencies, in Florida’s business and professional community and even in our own homes.  At DBPR, we are focusing on cutting costs through increased efficiency.

Recently, we have targeted areas where we can increase efficiency for the department and for our licensees.  I would like to share some examples of our efforts with you. 

• We have reduced the time required to process exam scores for CPAs by more than half.  The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy is now transmitting scores as frequently as eight times per exam window, which is a three-month period. DBPR will now be able to provide eligible applicants with licensure packages more quickly, in approximately 30 days.

• We have removed the requirement that applicants submit corporate documents.  Before this change, documents from the Department of State had to be submitted by the licensee. Now, DBPR mines the documents directly from the Department of State system, thus reducing deficiencies and processing licenses faster.

• We have implemented computer-based testing for Farm Labor.  The Farm Labor Contractor registration examination, previously administered through the pencil and paper, is now offered via computer at multiple sites throughout the state.

A few months ago I sent a letter to all of our board chairs asking them to be mindful of the current budget times and to help us look for ways to save our licensees money and increase efficiency.  Many of our boards and licensees have risen to this challenge. 

Recently, the chair of the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bob O’Neil, suggested that the board decline their statutorily authorized $50 daily board compensation.  The board agreed, and I would like to commend them on their dedication to public service.  In addition, our licensees, the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association, withdrew their application for a rate increase citing the distressed state of the economy and the possible impact to fellow stakeholders at the Port of Miami. 

It is inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we join together with a common purpose.  As we work through these tough times, I am confident we will be able to weather the storm with the support of one another.  I will continue to keep you informed about what the department and our partners are doing to support you.  You can find more information about our efforts by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com/dbpr/Accelerate_Florida.  I look forward to sharing our successes with you.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Drago, Secretary

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Message From The Chair Myra Jowers

Summer greetings from your Cosmetology Board!

Kudos go to Florida Community College for showing their interest in our profession by encouraging interested students, teachers, administrators, and advisory committee members to attend our most recent board meeting held in Jacksonville.  Some of the students who attended have become so interested in our interpretations and rulings that they frequently seek me out to answer their questions.  Hopefully other schools will follow suit and encourage their interested students and instructors to gain insight and understanding of Florida’s laws and rules by attending one of our meetings.

The most recent legislative session did not produce any significant changes to any laws governing cosmetology; however, we do have rule changes in progress.  It is every licensee’s responsibility to stay abreast of changes by regularly checking the Board of Cosmetology Web site.  As always, proper foot bath disinfection and logging, methyl methacrylate (MMA) still being purchased and used, and, more recently, the “fish pedicures” are of concern, so everyone must remain diligent in promoting and protecting the health and safety of our clients and ourselves. 

This board is dedicated to protecting the public and is taking a firm stance in dealing with repeat violators when their disciplinary cases come before us for action.  We are trying to impact our industry in a positive manner by imposing stiffer penalties and follow-up inspections in the salons where these repeated violations occur.  Help us by reporting any unlicensed activity, sanitation violations, or any other suspected violations that are occurring.  You can report anonymously at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

Schools and educators - you have the opportunity to establish values and model ethical and professional behavior for your students, equipping them for today’s increasingly competitive market.  Be leaders and set examples of the highest standard.  Give your best, graciously, for the sake of our professional reputation.  Technical skills are not enough to guarantee a future in our field.  Those people skills are, at minimum, equally important.  Gratefully, many of you are already excelling in all areas of training.  Keep up the GREAT work!

Once again, I am honored to be a part of this profession and to serve on this board.  After more than forty years as a licensed cosmetologist, more than twenty of those as a teacher, I am still in love with the cosmetology field.  Together we can continue to ensure the salon safety of those visiting and residing in our great state.

Myra Jowers
Chair, Board of Cosmetology

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Message From the Executive Director
Robyn Barineau

Ah…summer is here…heat, afternoon showers, and vacations.  I hope you have an opportunity to take a little time for yourself and relax!

I would like to welcome our newest addition to the Board of Cosmetology.  We are thrilled with the appointment of Ms. Laurel Ritenbaugh to the board.  Laurel previously served on the board for a very short time and made a huge impact during her term.  She is currently a highly regarded cosmetology instructor at Plant City High School.  She and her husband, Jay, have two daughters and one son-in-law.  We have no doubt that Laurel will make many valuable contributions to the board, and we look forward to working with her again.

I had the opportunity to reach out to many of you at the recent Premier Hair Show in Orlando.  I found the event to be very educational, and getting to meet many of you was an added benefit.  Our agency generally sends staff to man a booth at this annual event.  We are there to answer your questions and assist with any concerns you may have with your license, the Board of Cosmetology, or your industry.  Please look us up next year.

Are you properly disposing of hazardous materials in your salons?  The United States Environmental Protection Agency has posted a handy document entitled, “Protecting the Health of Nail Salon Workers.”  This useful guide offers recommendations to minimize exposure to products such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), understanding the importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), suggestions on proper ventilation, and other helpful tips.  You may download a copy of this document at http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/salon/nailsalonguide.pdf.  This document is also available in Vietnamese.  Also, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has some helpful information on how to dispose of hazardous waste.  Check out their Web site at Publications » Waste Management » Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). 

A change to the supervised practice exception rule (Rule 61G5-18.0055, Florida Administrative Code) has recently become effective.  This rule amendment allows students who completed their education in Florida to work supervised by a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed cosmetology salon only if they pass both parts of the exam on their first attempt.  If they fail any portion of the exam, they cannot work until they have received their license.  This is a substantial change from the previous rule.  Please ensure that you are aware of this change so that you do not subject yourself or your salon with possible disciplinary action.

The board continues to work on some very important rules, which include an allowance for cosmetology students to apply for examination and licensure after completion of 1,100 educational hours.  However, students must provide proof of completion of 1,200 educational hours before they are allowed to examine, and they must take the examination at least one time within six months after approval of their application.  The board is also amending rules to expand the facial specialty curriculum.  Please stay tuned to the board’s Web site.  As soon as these rules are finalized, they will be posted on the Web site under “Important Information (Hot Topics).”

As a reminder, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Board of Cosmetology are always concerned about unlicensed activity in the cosmetology industry.  There is a toll-free telephone number to contact if you are aware of any unlicensed activity going on in your area.  That toll free telephone number is 1.866.532.1440, or, you may download a Uniform Complaint Form located at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > by clicking “For Consumers” > then clicking “File a Complaint Against a Business or Professional,” and then mail it to the department once it has been completed.  We need your help in policing your area and reporting unlicensed activity to the department.  You have worked hard to obtain and maintain your license and others should be held to the same standards.

The board has tentatively scheduled their meetings through April 2010.  Be sure to check the board meeting schedule included in this newsletter.  Should your schedule permit, please join us for a meeting and see what happens at a board meeting.  I welcome the opportunity to be able to meet you.

Have a great summer and stay cool!

Robyn Barineau
Executive Director, Board of Cosmetology

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Board Briefs

Compiled by Consumer Member Monica Smith

Stress: It’s the No. 1 Reason to ‘Spa’

According to a recently released International Spa Association study of consumers in 15 countries, in every single country, the number-one reason people go to a spa is to relax and relieve or reduce stress.

“We’ve known stress relief was the primary reason why Americans visited spas. Now, with the ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study we know stress is the number-one reason people visit spas worldwide,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees. “Stress affects more than just our lives at work and at home, it affects our health. So take time to de-stress, by getting a massage; it could end up saving your health down the road.”

Other key findings from the ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study include:

• Worldwide, massage is the most popular treatment.
• In North American and Europe, roughly 50% of spa-goers used a gift card.
• The top motivators for visiting a spa are recommendations from family, friends or health care practitioners, and price incentives.

The ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study is available at www.experienceispa.com.

2009 Spa Trends

Knowing is always half the battle, and this couldn’t be truer with industry trends. The International Spa Association released its forecast for the rest of 2009 that includes 10 key trends to pay attention to and build on, with customization as one of the hottest trends of 2009.

1. Customized Treatments: In addition to 30-minute facials and massages, spas are listening to the demands and desires of their customers and are designing combination treatments and adding creature comforts such as Wi-Fi and iPod options.

2. Mind, Body & Spirit: Consumers are looking to spas to recharge not only their body, but their spirit and mind as well. Many spas are increasing self-discovery services like ropes courses, art classes and other learning activities that help consumers to stop, be still and focus on themselves.

3. Family-friendly Resort Spas: In an era where we’re all moving at warp speed, more and more people are looking for spas that cater to families. These spas are responding to the need for families to communicate and spend time together, whether it’s flying through the air on a trapeze or attending family yoga.

4. Organic Spas: More spas than ever before are offering environmentally friendly products and services, but that’s not all. Many feature outdoor treatments and eco-friendly facilities, as well as treatments that highlight indigenous plants and the environment in which the spa is located (i.e., seashell body treatment and blueberry body wrap).

5. Spa Credits: In this economy, the smart traveler is the one who de-stresses at the hotel spa after a long flight. Hotels are looking to entice travelers and increase bookings by offering free treatments or spa credits when booking a room.

6. Spa Memberships: Similar to a gym membership, it allows spa-goers to experience spas at a lower cost.A 12-month membership could include unlimited use of the facility, a treatment a month and discounts on additional monthly services.

7. Half-day Spa Vacations: With people watching every penny, many are canceling their expensive vacations and instead turning to spas.

8. Dental Spas: Annual cleanings just got more relaxing. The American Dental Association says about 50% of U.S. dentists are providing spa amenities at no additional charge.

9. Tried and True: Consumers are moving away from the trendy and seeking treatments with proven and tangible results. They’re getting back to basics, focusing on core spa services like deep tissue massage and clarifying facials.

10. Increased Spa Amenities:Spas are encouraging their guests to stay and linger. A 60-minute service might turn into an entire afternoon of rejuvenation as a guest takes advantage of the spa’s amenities such as the spa’s pool, sauna, or relaxation room.

For more information, visit www.experienceispa.com.

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Rule Update:

A recently amended Board of Cosmetology rule is listed below.  Complete text of all rules can be viewed on the board’s Web page at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > click on “Doing Business with us” > click on “Cosmetology.”

61G5-18.0055 Supervised Cosmetology Practice Exception.

Following the completion of the first licensing examination by a graduate of licensed cosmetology school or cosmetology program offered in a public school system, which school or program is certified by the Department of Education, an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist by examination is eligible to practice temporarily in a current, actively licensed cosmetology salon under the following conditions:

(1) In the event an applicant obtains passing scores on the first attempt of both the written and clinical examinations, the applicant shall be eligible, prior to having their application acted on by the Board, to practice cosmetology in a licensed salon, provided that they post their examination results for both examinations at their work station with a recent photograph affixed thereto.

(2) An applicant who fails any part of the examination may not practice as a cosmetologist and may immediately apply for reexamination.

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Rule Reminders:

Rule 61G5-20.002(2), Florida Administrative Code, requires detailed sterilization and disinfection of pedicure equipment.  It also requires that pedicure equipment be sanitized after each patron, at the end of the day, and at the end of the week.   The salon must also keep a record or log book containing the dates and times of all pedicure cleaning and disinfection procedures.  You may refer to the rule text for complete details for pedicure equipment sanitation.

Rule 61G5-20.004, Florida Administrative Code, requires all cosmetology licensees to permanently laminate their license, including a 2” X 2” photograph taken within the previous two years, for posting at their work station. You may refer to the rule text for complete details for license lamination. 

Rule 61G5-20.004, Florida Administrative Code, also requires that all salons must display at each footbath a copy of the Consumer Protection Notice regarding footbaths, sanitation, and safety.  A copy of the notice can be downloaded from the board’s Web site at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > click on “Doing Business with us” > click on “Board of Cosmetology” > click on “Information for Licensees.”  You may contact the department’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for a copy.

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Material Data Safety Sheets:

Did you know that whenever you purchase products from a supply store you can request a material data safety sheet (MSDS)?  Supply stores are required to provide you with an MSDS if you ask for one.  An MSDS will inform you of the ingredients contained in a product and the potential hazards of the product such as MMA. 

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Continuing Education Tidbits

Continuing education providers should update reference materials, including board laws and rules, and copyright dates when submitting course renewals for consideration.

To receive credit for completing a board-approved continuing education course, you must complete the course within the two-year period you are renewing.  In other words, if you complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education, the credit will be assessed against the current two-year licensing period.  You are not able to carry forward the two-hour overage for a future renewal.

Also, please ensure that you maintain copies of your course completion certificates for a minimum of three years.  You can access your continuing education account information via the department’s Web site at www.MyFloridaLicense.com > click on “Renew/Maintain a License” > click on “View Continuing Ed” > Enter your User ID and PIN (this will bring you to your account summary) > click on “Maintain/Renew this License” > click on “View My Continuing Ed.”  If you do not see that your continuing education credits have been posted to your account, contact the course provider to ensure they have properly submitted your course completion information to the department.

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Licensee Numbers:

As of June 1, 2009, the Board of Cosmetology has the following licensure numbers:

Cosmetologists:   

• Current, Active:                 92,392
• Current, Inactive:                   887

Manicure/Pedicure/Nail Extension Specialists:

• Current, Active:                 35,796
• Current, Inactive:                   268

Facial Specialists:

• Current, Active:                 19,074
• Current, Inactive:                   119

Full Specialists:

• Current, Active:                 16,045
• Current, Inactive:                     51

Hair Braiders:

• Current, Active:                   1,683
• Current, Inactive:                       2

Hair Wrappers:

• Current, Active:                      397
• Current, Inactive:                       0

Body Wrappers:

• Current, Active:                   2,961
• Current, Inactive:                      2

Cosmetology Salons:

• Current, Active:                 18,753

Mobile Cosmetology Salons:

• Current, Active:                        19

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New License Application Center

In our continuing effort to provide better customer service, we have improved our web site home page and created a user-friendly application center. We hope that these changes will make it easier for you to do business with us. The new features are intended to make the Web site more user-friendly and provide simple ways for our customers to find licensing information and requirements through detailed descriptions and helpful checklists.

The changes to the Web site include: new application features with a full list of license types, a list of detailed license requirements before each application, separate entry points for applications and renewals, and a new page called "What Services Require a DBPR License," which is designed to assist consumers with determining what services require a DBPR license.

Visit us on MyFloridaLicense.com.

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eNewsroom

Check out DBPR's eNewsroom, your source for important Department news and information. Here, you can watch public service announcements, read news releases, and subscribe to and flip through our publications.

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Visit us on the Web at www.MyFloridaLicense.com