Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Search:
Find
Enter search term(s)
Text Size: A+
|
A-
|
|
A Text Only Site Accessibility
|
|
Board of Cosmetology
Department
About Us
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
In General
Disinfectant Use
"National" Licensing
Profession Overview
Applicant Identification
Drinking Cups
Towels & Linens
How to Get Licensed
Boiling Tools
Facility Inspections
Board Meetings
Care Facility, Services Within
Facility Licensure
Certificate of Identification
Facility Relocation
Clipper Blades Disinfection
Hand Washing
Position Statements
Consumer Help
License Inquiry
Laws & Rules
Regulatory
Compliance
Forms
Fees
License Update
Financial Aid
Available
Related Links
Opportunities
In General
The following answers to frequently asked questions focus on general licensing, regulatory and health,
safety and infection control requirements of the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) and Board of
Cosmetology.
For answers to frequently asked questions focusing on the four individual fields of practice, please click
on the links below.
Barbering FAQ
Esthetics FAQ
Hair Design FAQ
Nail Technology FAQ
Profession-Specific Regulatory References
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 690 - Cosmetic Professionals
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 817, Divisions 005-120
Overarching for All OHLA-Regulated Professions
ORS 676.600-676.625 and 676.992
OAR Chapter 331, Divisions 001-030
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please contact OHLA at 503-378-8667 or
ohla.info@state.or.us.
Applicant Identification
Q: Can I provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of my Social Security
number (SSN) when applying for practitioner certication or a facility license?
A: No. Under temporary and proposed overarching rules for all OHLA-regulated professions (OAR 331030-0000(8), Application Requirements), OHLA does not accept an ITIN in lieu of the SSN.
You must provide your SSN along with two or more forms of acceptable identification issued by a
federal, state or local government agency of the United States, or other approved identification listed
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]
Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
on the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9,
Employment Eligibility Verification
Acceptable identification includes, but is not limited to:
(a) U.S. passport;
(b) Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it
contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and
address;
(c) ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a
photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address;
(d) U.S. Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration;
(e) Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or
outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal.
(10) At least one form of identification provided from the approved list in subsection (9) of this rule
must be a form of photographic identification.
NOTE: The agency may, at its discretion, require proof of an applicant’s legal presence in the U.S.,
identity, Social Security number or employment eligibility and date of birth.
Boiling Tools
Q: Can I boil my tools and implements to disinfect them?
A: No. Boiling tools is not an acceptable method for disinfection.
817-010-0065
Requirements and Standards
(1) All tools and implements that come in direct contact with a client, shall be disinfected or disposed of
after use.
(2) Only disinfecting agents that meet the criteria set forth in OAR 817-010-0005(34) and (39) are
approved for use (see below).
(5) When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, each of the following is an approved
method of disinfecting tools and implements:
(a) Complete immersion in the disinfecting solution of the object(s) or portion(s) thereof to be
disinfected;
(b) Steam sterilizer, registered and listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; or
(c) Dry heat sterilizer or autoclave, registered and listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
(6) All disinfecting agents shall be kept at adequate strengths to maintain effectiveness, be free of
foreign material and be available for immediate use at all times the facility is open for business.
817-010-0068
Disinfecting Non-Electrical Tools and Implements
All tools and implements used within a field of practice shall be disinfected before use on each client.
The method for disinfecting non-electrical tools and implements will be as outlined below.
(1) To disinfect all non-electrical tools and implements first:
(a) Remove all hair and/or foreign material;
(b) Clean thoroughly with soap or detergent and water;
(c) Rinse thoroughly with clear, clean water; and
(d) Complete process as outlined in section (2) or (3) of this rule; or
(e) Sterilize, using one of the approved methods listed in OAR 817-010-0065(5)(b) or (c).
(2) For all tools and implements without sharp edges or points, including but not limited to combs,
brushes, rollers, rods, etc., totally immerse according to manufacturer's instructions in a solution
containing l,000 parts per million (ppm) of a commercial quaternary ammonium compound or other
low-level disinfectant used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
(3) For all tools and implements with sharp edges or points totally, immerse in a high-level disinfectant
used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]
Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
817-005-0005
Definitions
(34) "High-level disinfectant" means a chemical agent, which has demonstrated tuberculocidal activity
and is registered with the EPA.
(39) "Low-level disinfectant" means a chemical agent which has demonstrated bactericidal, germicidal,
fungicidal, and limited virucidal activity and is registered with EPA.
Care Facility, Services Within
Q: I provide hair design and nail technology services within an assisted care facility. Am I required to
obtain a cosmetology facility license?
A: Not if you "...are acting under the authority of a hospital or long-term care facility...or a residential
facility..." as specified in ORS 690.025, Exemptions; rules (3). If a person is independently leasing a space within a residential care facility from the building owner,
and is operating as an independent business and not under the authority of the care facility, in that the
care facility does not have any authority or control in restricting services to residents only, then the
practitioner would need to hold a facility license. This would apply even if the practitioner independently
chooses to provide services only to residents.
If a residential care facility contracts with, or otherwise makes available a licensee or other person to
provide services, and the care facility restricts those services to being provided to residents only, and
the care facility accepts the responsibility and authority over the licensee/person and business, then
neither the licensee/person nor the care facility is required to obtain a facility license.
The Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities Division, licenses residential,
assisted living and nursing facilities.
Certificate of Identification
Q: I’d like to provide services in a client’s home, or from different locations. How do I provide mobile
services?
A: Under OAR 817-035-0050, you need to obtain a certificate of identification (CID) to perform
barbering, esthetics, hair design or nail technology outside of a licensed facility and in a client’s
residence or place of business. You must first be certified in any of the four fields of practice in which
you will provide services. Currently, CID applicants must pass an open-book test consisting of 10 questions. Temporary and
proposed rules, if adopted, will require applicants to take the Oregon Laws & Rules examination to
obtain an initial CID (unless they have passed the examination within the past two years prior to the
date of application).
CIDs are issued as a separate document from a practitioner’s certificate and are not automatically
renewable. Under proposed rules, applicants for CID renewal must pass the Oregon Laws and Rules
examination or complete OHLA’s safety & infection control class.
Under proposed rules, CID holders will no longer be required to provide clients with a business card. However, they must still provide each client with OHLA contact information to allow the client to
comment on any of the services received or on any of the sanitary procedures followed while
performing services.
CID holders must also display their practitioner's certificate number and certificate of identification
number on all advertising.
CID holders are subject to all health, safety, and infection control rules and regulations. Under
proposed rules, CID holders will also be subject to random audit to verify compliance with safety,
infection control and licensing requirements.
The CID may be suspended or revoked if the certificate holder:
Practices or performs services at the practitioner's residence when the residence is not licensed
as a facility
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]
Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Practices or performs services on clients other than those who either reside at or are employed
at the residence, office or business where services are provided
Both practices and resides outside the state of Oregon
The CID may be suspended or revoked if OHLA has refused to issue or renew, or has suspended or
revoked, the practitioner's certificate.
For complete requirements, refer to OAR 817-035-0050, which can be accessed at
http://www.oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COSlaws_rules.shtml.
OHLA and the Board of Cosmetology no longer offer a mobile facility license, which previously allowed
services to be performed in a vehicle modified to provide services and approved by OHLA and the
Board of Cosmetology.
Clipper Blades Disinfection
Q: Can you let me know what Oregon requires for disinfecting clipper blades and scissors, and how
often? Do they need to be completely immersed for 10 minutes, or can they be sprayed?
A: As required by OAR 817-010-0068(3), Disinfecting Non-Electrical Tools and Implements,
use high-level disinfectant for all tools and implements with sharp edges or points, including clipper
blades. Totally immerse them for at least 10 minutes or for however long the manufacturer
recommends.
As you might know, keeping tools immersed for too long in high-level disinfectant may corrode the tool
and doesn't necessarily make the tool more sanitary.
A high-level spray can be used on the clipper body and metal guides that the clipper blades clip onto,
but not for the clipper blades themselves, which must be submerged in high-level for 10 minutes/length
of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Disinfectant Use
Q: How often should I replace my disinfectant solution with new solution?
A: While there isn't a specific regulatory requirement, OAR 817-010-0065, Requirements and
Standards, states that you must follow the manufacturer's instructions:
(5) When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, each of the following is an approved
method of disinfecting tools and implements:
(a) Complete immersion in the disinfecting solution of the object(s) or portion(s) thereof to be
disinfected;
(6) All disinfecting agents shall be kept at adequate strengths to maintain effectiveness, be free of
foreign material and be available for immediate use at all times the facility is open for business.
Drinking Cups
Q: I have a high-end salon and don't want to use disposable cups to serve beverages. Can I use
porcelain coffee/tea cups or glassware?
A: Yes. According to OAR 817-010-0090, Use of Drinking Cups, disposable cups shall be available
for clients' use if beverages are served in facilities, and disposed of after use by the same methods as
other waste materials. While disposable cups must be available, facilities may offer beverages in nondisposable cups, glasses or other containers.
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]
Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Facility Inspections
Q: I just opened a full-service salon. What can I expect when my facility is inspected?
A: OHLA has created a Facility Inspection Checklist to assist practitioners and facility owners. Find
it online at http://www.oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/docs/Self_Inspection_Checklist.pdf.
OHLA has also produced a Facility Inspections brochure, which can also be accessed online at
http://egov.oregon.gov/OHLA/pdf/PUB62FacilityInspections0406.pdf.
Facility Licensure
Q: I'm looking to open a new spa at a golf course. I would be the owner and would not be offering
services myself. Are there any licenses I need to comply with Oregon's laws?
A. You’ll need a facility license to offer services, which can be offered only by certified
professionals. Under OAR 817-020-0005, Issuance of Facility Licenses:
(1) A facility license may be issued if the applicant:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age, if the applicant is a natural person, and meets requirements of ORS
690.055
(b) Has registered with the Corporations Division and received an assumed business name prior to
applying for a facility license (unless doing business under the full name of the owner)
Under proposed administrative rules, applicants for a facility license must also submit a current copy of
the assumed business name filing with the facility application.
For complete requirements, go to OAR 817, Division 20, Licensing and Operation of a Facility.
While under ORS 690.015(c), Prohibited acts, a person may not "operate a facility unless it is at all
times under the direct supervision of a practitioner," a non-practitioner may own and manage a facility.
Facility Relocation
Q: I’m moving my salon to a new location. What do I need to do?
A: You’ll need to obtain a new facility permit under OAR 817-020-0015, Facility Licensing
Requirements:
(1) A facility owner or license holder shall meet the requirements of a new facility (refer to OAR 817020-0011 and Facility Licensure, above) and submit a new facility application and required fees when
any of the following conditions exist:
(c) An existing facility moves or relocates to a new physical address. Facility licenses are not
transferable from location-to-location.
Hand Washing
Q: Is there a requirement for clients to wash their hands before services are performed?
A: No. However, under OAR 817-015-0030, Serving Clients:
(1) Practitioners shall observe and follow thorough hand washing with soap and water or other
alternative hand-washing products, such as gel, aerosol spray, foam, or pre-packaged hand wipes,
immediately before and after serving each client as needed to prevent cross contamination and/or
transmission of body fluids, infections or exposure to service-related wastes or chemicals.
(2) Practitioners who have visible open sores or bleeding lesions on their hands or arms shall not have
client contact until the lesions have healed to the scab phase and shall cover them with protective
gloves and/or impervious bandages prior to contact with clients.
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]
Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
(3) Practitioners shall wear single-use disposable or cleaned and disinfected protective gloves when
performing service or affecting a procedure that routinely involves body fluid exposure, such as during a
facial where blood, pus, or weeping of the skin may be present or is likely to occur during the service.
(5) Practitioners performing service on clients with skin conditions that are wet or weeping shall wear
single-use protective gloves. Single-use disposable gloves shall be used and discarded after use with
each client.
"National" Licensing
Q: Is there a national license and/or a national examination?
A: No, there isn't a national license. Each state sets standards and requirements for regulated
professions. Practitioners must be authorized to practice in each state in which they provide services to
the public.
While there isn't a national examination that is required of all practitioners nationwide, OHLA and the
Board of Cosmetology use the written examination provided by the National-Interstate Council of State
Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Nearly 40 of 50 states administer one or more NIC written examinations, making it the most widely
used examination for the cosmetology field in the United States. Towels & Linens
Q: Do I need to use bleach when washing towels and linens?
A: No. Bleach is not required for washing towels and linens but can be substituted for high-level
disinfectant to wipe up blood or bodily fluid spills.
Under OAR 817-010-0035 Towels or Linens:
(1) Clean towels or linens shall be used for each client.
(2) When using linens as arm cushions during nail technology service, the practitioner may use a
protective disposable cover on the linen towel to prevent contact with the client.
(3) Clean towels and linens shall be stored in a clean area.
(4) Each facility or practitioner shall provide closable containers large enough and sturdy enough to
store all soiled towels or linens after use. Chemically soiled towels or linens shall be stored in fireretardant containers.
(5) Used towels shall be laundered either by regular commercial laundering or by a non-commercial
laundering process, which includes use of commercial laundry detergent manufactured for the purpose
of cleaning clothes, linens or other washable fabric, and immersion in hot water during the hot water
wash/rinse operation.
Page updated: March 11, 2009
Text Only | State Directories | Agencies A to Z | Site Map | About Oregon.gov | Oregon.gov
|
File Formats | Oregon Administrative Rules | Oregon Revised Statutes | Privacy Policy | Web Site Feedback
Adobe Reader is required to view PDF files. Click the "Get Adobe Reader" image
to get a free download of the reader from Adobe.
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]
|
Board of Cosmetology Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
http://oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAQ.shtml[5/4/2009 10:56:40 AM]