Scope of Practice

The Agency appears to be receiving more-and-more questions on new procedures and machines used in the practice of, especially, aesthetics. We neither approve nor recommend any procedure and/or machine. Further, Arizona has NO such thing as a medical aesthetician.

All responsibility for machines, appliances, or procedures falls to the licensee. Refer to:

1. A.R.S. § 32-501(1), (2), (5), and (6) - definition of aesthetician or cosmetologist which states that they may practice skin care by "Massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, beautifying or applying oils, creams, antiseptics, clays, lotions or other preparations, either by hand or by mechanical or electrical appliances . . .Arching eyebrows or tinting eyebrows and eyelashes . . . and Removing superfluous hair by means other than electrolysis."

2. A.A.C. R-4-10-112(p) - dermaplane procedures, blades, knives, lancets, and any tool that invades the skin shall not be used in a salon or school. Nippers . . . chemical peels . . . 2% phenol and 37 to 40% neutralized glycolic acid may be used. (Any machine or appliance which penetrates the dermis layer of the skin is considered invasive and is therefore prohibited. i.e. Laser

3. A.A.C. R-4-10-111(E) - Salons shall prominently post a notice of salon services that are not regulated by this Board and are performed by people who are not licensed by this Board. (One may not post a sign in an attempt to avoid any other type of regulation.)

4. A.R.S. § 32-572(A) (4) - This board may take disciplinary action or refuse to issue or renew a license for any of the following causes: Malpractice or incompetency. (Under these laws, a licensee could be disciplined if someone is harmed.)

5. A.R.S. § 32-572 (A) (5)-Knowlingly advertising by means of false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent statements through communication medial. (i.e. advertising to be a medical aesthetician when one does not exist.)

6. A.R.S § 32-574(A) (3)-Display a sign or in any way advertise or hold oneself out as a cosmetologist, aesthetician or nail technician or as being engaged in the practice or business of cosmetology, aesthetics or nail technology without being licensed pursuant to this chapter.

ASIDE: In other words, an aesthetician, cosmetologist, or nail technician working in a licensed salon may only do what their scope of practice definition allows. However, if the licensee is working in a licensed salon in a doctor's office, they can provide services within the scope of their own license while not under the doctor's direct supervision. When under the doctor's direct supervision; (i.e., while the doctor is in the building,) and with a notice posted that these services are not regulated by this Board, do additional services. The services performed under the direct supervision of a Doctor are likely regulated by the Medical Board. If a complaint were received under the latter conditions, this Board would certainly investigate, but would reserve the right to refer to or work with the Medical Board. Additionally, while practicing as a licensed aesthetician, cosmetologist, or nail technician and doing procedures covered by this Board, the licensee must be working in a licensed salon. Specifically, if a licensee is advertising or holding oneself out as being licensed by the Board, the licensee must be working in a licensed salon and working with in the scope of practice definition.