Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of cosmetologists in this State by the State Board of Cosmetology. (Chapter 644A of NRS) Section 1 of this bill enacts the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which allows a person who is licensed as a cosmetologist in a state which is a member of the Compact to obtain a multistate license which authorizes the person to practice in other states that are members of the Compact. In order to obtain a multistate license authorizing a person to practice as a cosmetologist under the Compact, the Compact requires a person to: (1) hold an unencumbered license in a State that is a member of the Compact and which is the primary residence of the person; (2) submit to an application process and pay any applicable fees; (3) agree to abide by the rules of the State Board of Cosmetology or other licensing authority in each state in which he or she seeks to practice; (4) function within the scope of practice authorized by each state in which he or she seeks to practice; and (5) meet certain other requirements for eligibility. The Compact requires member states to create a joint government agency called the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission. The Compact sets forth the powers of the Commission which include, among other powers, the power to adopt rules and bylaws and to hold meetings, which may be closed under certain circumstances. The Compact additionally authorizes the Commission to levy and collect an annual assessment from member states and impose fees upon persons seeking to practice under the Compact to cover the cost of its operations. The Compact requires the Commission to create a data system to facilitate the sharing of information among member states. Section 2 of this bill, in general, authorizes the State Board of Cosmetology to disclose information to that data system when required by the Compact. Section 4 of this bill provides for the confidentiality of certain information disclosed through the data system. The Compact provides additional provisions to carry out the Compact, including providing procedures for the taking of adverse actions against licensees, provisions for rulemaking by the Commission, procedures for oversight, dispute resolution and enforcement and procedures for amendments and withdrawals. Section 3 of this bill deems practicing as a cosmetologist under the Compact to be equivalent to practicing under a license issued by the State Board of Cosmetology, thereby providing such persons with the same authority, duties and legal protections as a licensee.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 644A.870, 239.010
BDR: 644A.870, 239.010