Minnesota Legislature
Office of the Revisor of Statutes
2020 Minnesota Statutes
CHAPTER 155A. COSMETOLOGY
| Section | Headnote |
|---|---|
| 155A.01 | [Renumbered 154.40] |
| 155A.02 | [Renumbered 154.41] |
| 155A.03 | Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect |
| 155A.04 | [Renumbered 154.43] |
| 155A.045 | [Renumbered 154.44] |
| 155A.05 | [Renumbered 154.45] |
| 155A.06 | [Repealed, 2005 c 27 s 10] |
| 155A.07 | Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect |
| 155A.08 | [Renumbered 154.47] |
| 155A.09 | [Renumbered 154.48] |
| 155A.095 | [Renumbered 154.49] |
| 155A.10 | [Renumbered 154.50] |
| 155A.11 | [Repealed, 1993 c 204 s 28] |
| 155A.12 | [Repealed, 1993 c 204 s 28] |
| 155A.13 | [Repealed, 1993 c 204 s 28] |
| 155A.135 | [Renumbered 154.51] |
| 155A.14 | [Renumbered 154.52] |
| 155A.15 | [Renumbered 154.53] |
| 155A.16 | [Renumbered 154.54] |
| 155A.17 | [Repealed, 1983 c 289 s 119] |
| 155A.18 | [Repealed, 1993 c 204 s 28] |
| 155A.20 | BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS CREATED; TERMS. |
| 155A.21 | POLICY. |
| 155A.22 | PROHIBITION; LIMITATION. |
| 155A.23 | DEFINITIONS. |
| 155A.24 | ADMINISTRATION. |
| 155A.25 | COSMETOLOGY FEES; LICENSE EXPIRATION DATE. |
| 155A.26 | RULES. |
| 155A.27 | PRACTITIONER. |
| 155A.271 | CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS. |
| 155A.275 | SPECIAL EVENTS. |
| 155A.28 | HAIR BRAIDING. |
| 155A.29 | SALONS. |
| 155A.30 | SCHOOLS. |
| 155A.31 | INSPECTIONS. |
| 155A.32 | DISPLAY OF LICENSE. |
| 155A.33 | ENFORCEMENT. |
| 155A.34 | SERVICES EXCEPTED; EMERGENCY. |
| 155A.35 | APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS. |
| 155A.355 | PROHIBITED USES. |
| 155A.36 | VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES. |
155A.03
155A.07
155A.20 BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS CREATED; TERMS.
(a) A Board of Cosmetologist Examiners is established to consist of seven members, appointed by the governor as follows:
(1) two cosmetologists, one of whom is recommended by a professional association of cosmetologists, nail technicians, and estheticians;
(2) two school instructors, one of whom is teaching at a public cosmetology school in the state and one of whom is teaching at a private cosmetology school in the state;
(3) one esthetician;
(4) one nail technician; and
(5) one public member, as defined in section 214.02.
(b) All cosmetologist, esthetician, and nail technician members must be currently licensed in the field of cosmetology, nail technology, or esthetology, in Minnesota, have practiced in the licensed occupation for at least five years immediately prior to their appointment, be graduates from grade 12 of high school or have equivalent education, and have knowledge of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 and Minnesota Rules, chapters 2105 and 2110.
(c) Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision of staff, administrative services, and office space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting of board fees; and other provisions relating to board operations shall be as provided in chapter 214.
(d) Members appointed to fill vacancies caused by death, resignation, or removal shall serve during the unexpired term of their predecessors.
155A.21 POLICY.
The legislature finds that the health and safety of the people of the state are served by the licensing of the practice of cosmetology because of infection control and the use of chemicals, implements, apparatus, and other appliances requiring special skills and education.
To this end, the public will best be served by vesting these responsibilities in the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
History:
1981 c 357 s 31; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92 subd 1; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 22; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 28
155A.22 PROHIBITION; LIMITATION.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in cosmetology, or to conduct or operate a cosmetology school or salon, except as provided in sections 155A.23 to 155A.36.
155A.23 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.Terms.
For purposes of sections 155A.23 to 155A.36, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the words defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 3.Cosmetology.
"Cosmetology" is the practice of personal services, for compensation, for the cosmetic care of the hair, nails, and skin. These services include cleaning, conditioning, shaping, reinforcing, coloring and enhancing the body surface in the areas of the head, scalp, face, arms, hands, legs, feet, and trunk of the body, except where these services are performed by a barber under sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.161, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.26.
Subd. 4.Cosmetologist.
A "cosmetologist" is any person who, for compensation, performs the personal services, as defined in subdivision 3.
Subd. 4a.Eyelash extensions.
"Eyelash extensions" means the application, removal, and trimming of threadlike natural or synthetic fibers to an eyelash, and includes the cleansing of the eye area and lashes. Eyelash extensions do not include color agents, straightening agents, permanent wave solutions, bleaching agents, applications to the eyebrow, or any other cosmetology service.
Subd. 4b.Eyelash technician.
An "eyelash technician" is any person who is not a cosmetologist, esthetician, or advanced practice esthetician who, for compensation, performs the personal services limited to eyelash extensions as defined in subdivision 4a only.
Subd. 5.Esthetician.
An "esthetician" is any person who, for compensation, performs personal services for the cosmetic care of the skin only.
Subd. 5a.Individual license.
"Individual license" means a license described in section 155A.25, subdivision 1a, paragraph (b), clause (1).
Subd. 7.Nail technician.
A "nail technician" is any person who, for compensation, performs personal services for the cosmetic care of the hands, feet, and nails only.
Subd. 8.Manager.
A "manager" is any person who is a cosmetologist, esthetician, advanced practice esthetician, nail technician practitioner, or eyelash technician practitioner, and who has a manager license and provides any services under that license, as defined in subdivision 3.
Subd. 8a.Mobile salon.
A "mobile salon" is a salon that is operated in a mobile vehicle or mobile structure for exclusive use to offer personal services, as defined in subdivision 3.
Subd. 9.Salon.
A "salon" is an area, room, or rooms employed to offer personal services, as defined in subdivision 3. "Salon" does not include the home of a customer but the board may adopt health and infection control rules governing practice in the homes of customers.
Subd. 10.School.
A "school" is a place where any person operates and maintains a class to teach cosmetology to the public for compensation. "School" does not include a place where the only teaching of cosmetology is done by a licensed cosmetologist as part of a community education program of less than ten hours duration, provided that the program does not permit practice on persons other than students in the program, and provided that the program is intended solely for the self-improvement of the students and not as preparation for professional practice.
Subd. 11.Instructor.
An "instructor" is any person employed by a school to prepare and present the theoretical and practical education of cosmetology to persons who seek to practice cosmetology. An instructor must maintain an active operator or manager's license in the area in which the instructor holds an instructor's license.
Subd. 12.Person.
The term "person" may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnership and other unincorporated associations.
Subd. 13.Threading.
"Threading" is a method of removing hair from the eyebrows, upper lip, or other body parts by using cotton thread to pull hair from follicles. Threading does not include the use of chemicals or any type of wax. Threading may include the use of (1) over-the-counter astringents, gels, and powders; and (2) tweezers and scissors incidental to threading.
Subd. 14.Advanced practice esthetician.
An "advanced practice esthetician" is a person who for compensation performs personal services for the cosmetic care of the skin, including the use of mechanical or electrical skin care apparatuses or appliances that are used on the epidermal layer of the skin.
Subd. 15.Designated licensed salon manager.
A "designated licensed salon manager" is a manager designated by a salon owner and registered with the board, who is responsible with the salon owner for salon and practitioner compliance.
Subd. 16.School manager.
A "school manager" is a cosmetologist who is a salon manager and who has a school manager license. A school manager must maintain an active salon manager's license.
Subd. 17.Designated school manager.
A "designated school manager" is a school manager who is designated by the school owner and registered with the board, who is responsible with the school owner for school and instructor compliance.
Subd. 18.Practitioner.
A "practitioner" is any person licensed in the practice of cosmetology, esthiology, nail technology services, or eyelash technology services.
Subd. 19.Hairstyling.
"Hairstyling" is the practice of cleaning, drying, arranging, or styling hair. It includes the use of hair sprays and topical agents, such as shampoos and conditioners. It also includes the use and styling of hair extensions and wigs. It does not include cutting or the application of dyes, bleach, reactive chemicals, keratin, or other preparations to color or alter the structure of hair.
Subd. 20.Makeup services.
"Makeup services" is the application of a cosmetic to enhance the face or skin, including powder, foundation, rouge, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Makeup services includes the application of makeup applied using an airbrush. Makeup services does not include the application of permanent makeup, tattooing, or facial services.
History:
1981 c 357 s 33; 1983 c 289 s 99,114 subd 1; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1993 c 204 s 8; 2002 c 387 s 12,13; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 24-28; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 26; 2005 c 27 s 3,9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2010 c 215 art 8 s 5; 2013 c 85 art 5 s 20-22,49; 2014 c 162 s 2; 2014 c 169 s 1; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 29-35,87; 2016 c 127 s 1-4; 2016 c 158 art 1 s 71; 2020 c 106 s 1,2
155A.24 ADMINISTRATION.
Subdivision 1.Board's powers and duties; generally.
The board has the power and duties necessary for the administration of the provisions of this chapter.
Subd. 2.Hiring and assignment of employees.
The board has the authority to hire qualified personnel in the classified service to assist in administering the law, including those for the testing and licensing of applicants, conducting inspections, and complaint investigations.
History:
1981 c 357 s 34; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92 subd 1; 2005 c 27 s 4,9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2010 c 215 art 8 s 6-8; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 36
155A.25 COSMETOLOGY FEES; LICENSE EXPIRATION DATE.
Subd. 1a.Schedule.
(a) The schedule for fees and penalties is as provided in this subdivision.
(b) Three-year license fees are as follows:
(1) $195 initial practitioner, manager, or instructor license, divided as follows:
(i) $155 for each initial license; and
(ii) $40 for each initial license application fee;
(2) $115 renewal of practitioner license, divided as follows:
(i) $100 for each renewal license; and
(ii) $15 for each renewal application fee;
(3) $145 renewal of manager or instructor license, divided as follows:
(i) $130 for each renewal license; and
(ii) $15 for each renewal application fee;
(4) $350 initial salon license, divided as follows:
(i) $250 for each initial license; and
(ii) $100 for each initial license application fee;
(5) $225 renewal of salon license, divided as follows:
(i) $175 for each renewal; and
(ii) $50 for each renewal application fee;
(6) $4,000 initial school license, divided as follows:
(i) $3,000 for each initial license; and
(ii) $1,000 for each initial license application fee; and
(7) $2,500 renewal of school license, divided as follows:
(i) $2,000 for each renewal; and
(ii) $500 for each renewal application fee.
(c) Penalties may be assessed in amounts up to the following:
(1) reinspection fee, $150;
(2) manager and owner with expired practitioner found on inspection, $150 each;
(3) expired practitioner or instructor found on inspection, $200;
(4) expired salon found on inspection, $500;
(5) expired school found on inspection, $1,000;
(6) failure to display current license, $100;
(7) failure to dispose of single-use equipment, implements, or materials as provided under section 155A.355, subdivision 1, $500;
(8) use of prohibited razor-type callus shavers, rasps, or graters under section 155A.355, subdivision 2, $500;
(9) performing nail or cosmetology services in esthetician salon, or performing esthetician or cosmetology services in a nail salon, $500;
(10) owner and manager allowing an operator to work as an independent contractor, $200;
(11) operator working as an independent contractor, $100;
(12) refusal or failure to cooperate with an inspection, $500;
(13) practitioner late renewal fee, $45; and
(14) salon or school late renewal fee, $50.
(d) Administrative fees are as follows:
(1) homebound service permit, $50 three-year fee;
(2) name change, $20;
(3) certification of licensure, $30 each;
(4) duplicate license, $20;
(5) special event permit, $75 per year;
(6) $100 for each temporary military license for a cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, or advanced practice esthetician one-year fee;
(7) expedited initial individual license, $150;
(8) expedited initial salon license, $300;
(9) instructor continuing education provider approval, $150 each year; and
(10) practitioner continuing education provider approval, $150 each year.
Subd. 1b.Fees disposition.
(a) All fees established in subdivisions 1 and 1a must be paid to the executive secretary of the board.
(b) The executive secretary of the board shall deposit all fees in the general fund in the state treasury.
Subd. 2.Refunds.
Refunds shall be given in the following situations: overpayment; death or permanent disability before the effective date of a license; or an individual's ineligibility for licensure. Applicants determined ineligible to receive a license will be refunded the license fee minus any processing fee and minus any application fee this section requires.
Subd. 3.Other licenses.
A licensee who applies for licensing in a second category shall pay the full license fee and application fee for the second category of license.
Subd. 4.License expiration date.
Individual licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month of the year due. Salon and school licenses expire on the last day of the month of initial licensure of the year due.
Subd. 5.Board must approve or deny application; timeline.
Within 15 working days of receiving a complete application and the required fees to apply for or renew an individual or salon license that is not an expedited license or a military license, the board must (1) issue the license, (2) deny the license and notify the applicant of the denial, or (3) if the conditions in subdivision 6 are met, notify the applicant that the board must conduct additional review.
Subd. 6.Additional review for certain licenses.
If an application contains discrepancies, the applicant is the subject of a complaint investigation, or the applicant has pending disciplinary actions before the board, the board will comply with the time limits prescribed in section 15.992 to process the application.
Subd. 7.Temporary military license or expedited license.
Within five business days of receiving a completed application and the required fees for an individual or salon license that meets requirements for an expedited license or a temporary military license, the board must: (1) issue the license; (2) deny the license and notify the applicant of the denial; or (3) notify the applicant that the board must conduct additional review if the application meets the conditions in subdivision 8.
Subd. 8.Additional review for certain temporary military license or expedited license.
If an application under subdivision 7 contains discrepancies, the applicant is the subject of a complaint investigation, or the applicant has pending disciplinary actions before the board, the board will process the application according to the time limits in section 15.992.
History:
1993 c 204 s 9; 1997 c 200 art 1 s 63; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 29; 2005 c 27 s 5,9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 12,26; 2010 c 215 art 8 s 9; 2013 c 85 art 5 s 23,24,49; 2014 c 162 s 3; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 37-41,87; 1Sp2019 c 10 art 2 s 14
155A.26 RULES.
The board may develop and adopt rules according to chapter 14 that the board considers necessary to carry out sections 155A.21 to 155A.36.
History:
1981 c 357 s 35; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1983 c 289 s 100; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1993 c 204 s 10; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 30; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26
155A.27 PRACTITIONER.
Subdivision 1.Licensing.
A person must hold an individual license to practice in the state as a cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, eyelash technician, advanced practice esthetician, manager, or instructor.
Subd. 2.Qualifications.
Qualifications for licensing in each classification shall be determined by the board and established by rule, and shall include educational and experiential prerequisites. The rules shall require a demonstrated knowledge of procedures necessary to protect the health and safety of the practitioner and the consumer of cosmetology services, including but not limited to infection control, use of implements, apparatuses and other appliances, and the use of chemicals.
Subd. 4.Testing.
All theory, practical, and Minnesota law and rule testing must be done by a board-approved provider. Appropriate standardized tests shall be used and shall include subject matter relative to the application of Minnesota law. In every case, the primary consideration shall be to safeguard the health and safety of consumers by determining the competency of the applicants to provide the services indicated.
Subd. 5.Licensing without test.
Licensing of persons without testing may be allowed as determined by rule.
Subd. 5a.Temporary military license.
The board shall establish temporary licenses for a cosmetologist, nail technician, and esthetician in accordance with section 197.4552.
Subd. 6.Duration of license.
Licensing in each classification shall be for a period of three years.
Subd. 7.Renewals.
Renewal of license shall be for a period of three years under conditions and process established by rule and subject to continuing education requirements of section 155A.271.
Subd. 8.Fees.
Examination and licensing fees shall be in the amounts specified in section 155A.25.
Subd. 9.Exemptions.
(a) Persons licensed to provide cosmetology services in other states visiting this state for cosmetology demonstrations shall be exempted from the licensing provisions of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 if services to consumers are in the physical presence of a licensed cosmetologist.
(b) A person who performs threading shall be exempt from the licensing provisions of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36.
(c) A person who performs only hairstyling and makeup services shall be exempt from the licensing provisions of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 if the person has completed a four-hour course in health, safety, and infection-control matters and state law online or in person under section 155A.271, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), from a board-approved continuing education provider, and carries proof of completion of the course when providing these services.
Subd. 10.Nonresident licenses.
(a) A nonresident cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician may be licensed in Minnesota if the individual has completed cosmetology school in a state or country with the same or greater school hour requirements, has an active license in that state or country, and has passed a board-approved theory and practice-based examination, the Minnesota-specific written operator examination for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician. If a test is used to verify the qualifications of trained cosmetologists, the test should be translated into the nonresident's native language within the limits of available resources. Licenses shall not be issued under this subdivision for managers or instructors.
(b) If an individual has less than the required number of school hours, the individual must have had a current active license in another state or country for at least three years and have passed a board-approved theory and practice-based examination, and the Minnesota-specific written operator examination for cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician. If a test is used to verify the qualifications of trained cosmetologists, the test should be translated into the nonresident's native language within the limits of available resources. Licenses must not be issued under this subdivision for managers or instructors.
(c) Applicants claiming training and experience in a foreign country shall supply official English-language translations of all required documents from a board-approved source.
History:
1981 c 357 s 37; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1983 c 293 s 64; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1993 c 204 s 12-15; 2002 c 387 s 14; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 31-33; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2006 c 260 art 3 s 5; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2013 c 85 art 5 s 25-27,49; 2014 c 162 s 4; 2014 c 169 s 2; 2014 c 312 art 4 s 17; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 42-44; 2016 c 127 s 5; 2020 c 106 s 3
155A.271 CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
Subdivision 1.Continuing education requirements.
(a) To qualify for license renewal under this chapter as an individual cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, advanced practice esthetician, eyelash technician, or salon manager, the applicant must complete four hours of continuing education credits from a board-approved continuing education provider during the three years prior to the applicant's renewal date. One credit hour of the requirement must include instruction pertaining to state laws and rules governing the practice of cosmetology. Three credit hours must include instruction pertaining to health, safety, and infection control matters consistent with the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards applicable to the practice of cosmetology, or other applicable federal health, infection control, and safety standards, and must be regularly updated so as to incorporate newly developed standards and accepted professional best practices. Credit hours earned are valid for three years and may be applied simultaneously to all individual licenses held by a licensee under this chapter.
(b) Effective August 1, 2017, in addition to the hours of continuing education credits required under paragraph (a), to qualify for license renewal under this chapter as an individual cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, advanced practice esthetician, or salon manager, the applicant must also complete a four credit hour continuing education course from a board-approved continuing education provider based on any of the following within the licensee's scope of practice:
(1) product chemistry and chemical interaction;
(2) proper use and maintenance of machines and instruments;
(3) business management, professional ethics, and human relations; or
(4) techniques relevant to the type of license held.
Credits are valid for three years and must be completed with a board-approved provider of continuing education during the three years prior to the applicant's renewal date and may be applied simultaneously to other individual licenses held as applicable, except that credits completed under this paragraph must not duplicate credits completed under paragraph (a).
(c) Paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply to an instructor license, a school manager license, or an inactive license.
Subd. 1a.Product sales or marketing prohibited.
The marketing or sale of any product is prohibited during a continuing education class receiving credit under subdivision 1.
Subd. 2.Continuing education providers.
(a) Only a board-licensed school of cosmetology, a postsecondary institution as defined in section 136A.103, paragraph (a), or a board-recognized professional association organized under chapter 317A may be approved by the board to offer continuing education for credit under subdivision 1, paragraph (a). Continuing education under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), may be offered by a:
(1) board-licensed school of cosmetology;
(2) board-recognized professional association organized under chapter 317A; or
(3) board-licensed salon.
An approved school or professional association may offer web-based continuing education instruction to achieve maximum involvement of licensees. Continuing education providers are encouraged to offer classes available in foreign language formats.
(b) Board approval of any continuing education provider is valid for one calendar year and is contingent upon submission and preapproval of the lesson plan or plans with learning objectives for the class to be offered and the payment of the application fee in section 155A.25, subdivision 1a, paragraph (d), clause (10). The board shall maintain a list of approved providers and courses on the board's website. The board may revoke authorization of a continuing education provider at any time for just cause and the board may demand return of documents required under subdivision 3.
Subd. 3.Proof of credits.
The continuing education provider shall provide to licensees documentation establishing completion of the class. Licensees shall retain proof of their continuing education credits for one year beyond the credit's expiration. The continuing education provider shall retain documentation of all licensees completing a class and the licensee's credit hours awarded by them for five years.
Subd. 4.Audit.
The board shall conduct random audits of active licensees and continuing education providers to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section. To initiate an audit, the board shall notify an active licensee of the audit and request proof of credits earned during a specified period. The licensee must provide the requested proof to the board within 30 days of an audit notice. The board may request that a continuing education provider verify a licensee's credits. The provider must furnish verification, or a written statement that the credits are not verified, within 15 days of the board's request for verification. If the board determines that a licensee has failed to provide proof of necessary credits earned during the specified time, the board may revoke the individual's license and may deem the individual an expired practitioner subject to penalty under section 155A.25 or 155A.36. The board staff shall have unrestricted free access to any provider's class offerings to verify adherence to the provider's approved lesson plan and overall compliance with this chapter.
History:
2013 c 85 art 5 s 28; 2014 c 162 s 5; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 45,87; 2016 c 127 s 6; 2020 c 83 art 1 s 45
155A.275 SPECIAL EVENTS.
Subdivision 1.Special event services.
For purposes of this section, "special event services" means services rendered for compensation and performed at a location other than a licensed salon. These services are limited to the practice of nonpermanent manipulation of the hair, including: styling, setting, reinforcing, or extending the hair; the application of nail polish to the nails; and the application of makeup to the skin.
Subd. 2.Special event services permit.
(a) No person shall perform special event services without first obtaining a special event services permit from the board. To be eligible for a special event services permit, a person must have a valid manager's license issued by the board under the authority of section 155A.27.
(b) An individual applying for a special event services permit must submit to the board, on a form approved by the board, an application for a special event services permit.
(c) An individual providing services under a special event services permit may only perform services within the individual's specific field of licensure and as defined by the permit. The services provided pursuant to the special event services permit must comply with the requirements of this chapter and all federal, state, and local laws.
History:
155A.28 HAIR BRAIDING.
Subd. 2.Definition.
"Hair braiding" means a natural form of hair manipulation that results in tension on hair strands by beading, braiding, cornrowing, extending, lacing, locking, sewing, twisting, weaving, or wrapping human hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions into a variety of shapes, patterns, and textures predominantly by hand and by only using simple braiding devices, and maintenance thereof. Hair braiding includes what is commonly known as "African-style hair braiding" or "natural hair care" but is not limited to any particular cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious forms of hair styles. Hair braiding includes the making of customized wigs from natural hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions. Hair braiding includes the use of topical agents such as conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils, pomades, and shampoos. Hair braiding does not involve the use of penetrating chemical hair treatments, chemical hair coloring agents, chemical hair straightening agents, chemical hair joining agents, permanent wave styles, or chemical hair bleaching agents applied to growing human hair. For purposes of this section, "simple hair braiding devices" means clips, combs, curlers, curling irons, hairpins, rollers, scissors, needles, thread, and hair binders including adhesives, if necessary, that are required solely for hair braiding.
Subd. 5.Hair braiders exempt.
The practice of hair braiding is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
155A.29 SALONS.
Subdivision 1.Licensing.
A person must not offer cosmetology services for compensation unless the services are provided by a licensee in a licensed salon or as otherwise provided in this section. Each salon must be licensed as a cosmetology salon, a nail salon, esthetician salon, advanced practice esthetician salon, or eyelash extension salon. A salon may hold more than one type of salon license.
Subd. 2.Requirements.
The conditions and process by which a salon is licensed shall be established by the board by rule. In addition to those requirements, no license shall be issued unless the board first determines that the conditions in clauses (1) to (5) have been satisfied:
(1) compliance with all local and state laws, particularly relating to matters of infection control, health, and safety;
(2) the employment of a manager, as defined in section 155A.23, subdivision 8;
(3) if applicable, evidence of compliance with workers' compensation section 176.182; and
(4) evidence of continued professional liability insurance coverage of at least $25,000 for each claim and $50,000 total coverage for each policy year for each operator.
Subd. 2a.Requirements for mobile salon.
In addition to complying with the requirements for a salon in subdivision 2, the holder of a salon license for a mobile salon must:
(1) maintain a permanent business address; and
(2) notify the board of the locations and schedule of operation of a mobile salon.
Subd. 3.Infection control standards.
Minimum infection control standards for the operation of a salon shall be established by rule. The salon may be inspected as often as the board considers necessary to affirm compliance.
Subd. 3a.Residential salons.
A salon shall not be located in a room used for residential purposes. If a salon is in the residence of a person practicing cosmetology, the rooms used for the practice of cosmetology shall be completely partitioned off from the living quarters.
Subd. 6.Threading exemption.
The facility in which a person provides threading and no other services requiring licensure by this chapter is exempt from the requirement for a salon license under this section.
Subd. 7.Hairstyling and makeup exemption.
The facility in which all persons provide hairstyling and makeup services exempted under section 155A.27, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), and no other services requiring licensure by this chapter, is exempt from the requirement for a salon license under this section.
History:
1981 c 357 s 38; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1983 c 293 s 65; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1985 c 247 s 19; 1993 c 204 s 16,17; 1996 c 439 art 1 s 13; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 34-36; 2005 c 27 s 6,9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2013 c 85 art 5 s 29,49; 2014 c 162 s 7-9; 2014 c 169 s 3; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 46-48,87; 2016 c 127 s 7; 2020 c 106 s 4
155A.30 SCHOOLS.
Subdivision 1.Licensing.
Any person who establishes or conducts a school in this state shall be licensed. A license issued to postsecondary licensed cosmetology schools meeting the provisions of subdivision 12 shall include the designation "Postsecondary Cosmetology School License."
Subd. 2.Standards.
The board shall by rule establish minimum standards of course content and length specific to the educational preparation prerequisite to testing and licensing as cosmetologist, esthetician, and nail technician.
Subd. 3.Applications.
Application for a license shall be prepared on forms furnished by the board and shall contain the following and such other information as may be required:
(1) the name of the school, together with ownership and controlling officers, members, and managing employees;
(2) the specific fields of instruction which will be offered and reconciliation of the course content and length to meet the minimum standards, as prescribed in subdivision 2;
(3) the place or places where instruction will be given;
(4) a listing of the equipment available for instruction in each course offered;
(5) the maximum enrollment to be accommodated;
(6) a listing of instructors, all of whom shall be licensed as provided in section 155A.27, subdivision 2, except that any school may use occasional instructors or lecturers who would add to the general or specialized knowledge of the students but who need not be licensed;
(7) a current balance sheet, income statement or documentation to show sufficient financial worth and responsibility to properly conduct a school and to assure financial resources ample to meet the school's financial obligations;
(8) other financial guarantees which would assure protection of the public as determined by rule; and
(9) a copy of all written material which the school uses to solicit prospective students, including but not limited to a tuition and fee schedule, and all catalogues, brochures and other recruitment advertisements. Each school shall annually, on a date determined by the board, file with the board any new or amended materials which it has distributed during the past year.
Subd. 4.Verification of application.
Each application shall be signed and certified to under oath by the proprietor if the applicant is a proprietorship, by the managing partner if the applicant is a partnership, or by the authorized officers of the applicant if the applicant is a corporation, association, company, firm, society or trust.
Subd. 5.Conditions precedent to issuance.
A license must not be issued unless the board first determines that the applicant has met the requirements in clauses (1) to (9):
(1) the applicant must have a sound financial condition with sufficient resources available to meet the school's financial obligations; to refund all tuition and other charges, within a reasonable period of time, in the event of dissolution of the school or in the event of any justifiable claims for refund against the school; to provide adequate service to its students and prospective students; and to maintain proper use and support of the school;
(2) the applicant must have satisfactory training facilities with sufficient tools and equipment and the necessary number of work stations to adequately train the students currently enrolled, and those proposed to be enrolled;
(3) the applicant must employ a sufficient number of qualified instructors trained by experience and education to give the training contemplated;
(4) the premises and conditions under which the students work and study must be sanitary, healthful, and safe according to modern standards;
(5) each occupational course or program of instruction or study must be of such quality and content as to provide education and training that will adequately prepare enrolled students for testing, licensing, and entry level positions;
(6) the school must have coverage by professional liability insurance of at least $25,000 per incident and an accumulation of $150,000 for each premium year;
(7) the applicant shall provide evidence of the school's compliance with section 176.182;
(8) the applicant, except the state and its political subdivisions as described in section 13.02, subdivision 11, must file with the board a continuous corporate surety bond in the amount of no less than ten percent of the preceding year's gross income from student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges, but in no event less than $10,000, conditioned upon the faithful performance of all contracts and agreements with students made by the applicant. New schools must base the bond amount on the anticipated gross income from student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges for the third year of operation, but in no event less than $10,000. The applicant must compute the amount of the surety bond and verify that the amount of the surety bond complies with this subdivision. The bond shall run to the board and to any person who may have a cause of action against the applicant arising at any time after the bond is filed and before it is canceled for breach of any contract or agreement made by the applicant with any student. The surety of the bond may cancel it upon giving 60 days' notice in writing to the board and shall be relieved of liability for any breach of condition occurring after the effective date of cancellation; and
(9) the applicant must appoint a designated school manager.
Subd. 6.Fees; renewals.
(a) Applications for initial license under sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee set forth in section 155A.25.
(b) License duration shall be three years. Each renewal application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable renewal fee set forth in section 155A.25.
(c) Application for renewal of license shall be made as provided in rules adopted by the board and on forms supplied by the board.
Subd. 7.Inspections.
All schools may be inspected as often as the board considers necessary to affirm compliance. The board shall have the authority to assess the cost of the inspection to the school.
Subd. 8.List of licensed schools; availability.
The board shall maintain and make available to the public a list of licensed schools.
Subd. 9.Separation of school and professional departments.
A school shall display in the entrance reception room of its student section a sign prominently and conspicuously indicating that all work therein is done exclusively by students. Professional departments of a school shall be run as entirely separate and distinct businesses and shall have separate entrances.
Nothing contained in sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 shall prevent a school from charging for student work done in the school to cover the cost of materials used and expenses incurred in and for the operation of the school. All of the student work shall be prominently and conspicuously advertised and held forth as being student work and not otherwise.
Subd. 10.Discrimination prohibited.
Each school must comply with the Minnesota Human Rights Act under chapter 363A.
Subd. 11.Instruction requirements.
(a) Instruction may be offered for no more than ten hours per day per student.
(b) Instruction must be given within a licensed school building. Online instruction is permitted for board-approved theory-based classes. Practice-based classes must not be given online.
Subd. 12.Minnesota state authorization.
A cosmetology school licensed or applying for licensure under this section shall maintain recognition as an institution of postsecondary study by meeting the following conditions, in addition to Minnesota Rules, part 2110.0310:
(1) the school must admit as regular students only those individuals who have a high school diploma or a diploma based on passing commissioner of education-selected high school equivalency tests or their equivalent, or who are beyond the age of compulsory education as prescribed by section 120A.22; and
(2) the school must be licensed by name and authorized by the Office of Higher Education and the board to offer one or more training programs beyond the secondary level.
History:
1981 c 357 s 39; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1993 c 204 s 18-21; 1996 c 439 art 1 s 14; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 37; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2013 c 85 art 5 s 30,49; 2014 c 162 s 10,11; 2015 c 77 art 2 s 49,50; 1Sp2017 c 4 art 2 s 33; 1Sp2017 c 5 art 10 s 7; 2019 c 50 art 1 s 55
155A.31 INSPECTIONS.
The board is responsible for inspecting salons and schools licensed pursuant to sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 to assure compliance with the requirements of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36. The board shall direct board resources first to the inspection of those licensees who fail to meet the requirements of law, have indicated that they present a greater risk to the public, or have otherwise, in the opinion of the board, demonstrated that they require a greater degree of regulatory attention.
History:
1993 c 204 s 22; 1996 c 439 art 1 s 15; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 38; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26
155A.32 DISPLAY OF LICENSE.
Every holder of a license granted by the board shall display it in a conspicuous place in the place of business.
History:
1981 c 357 s 40; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1993 c 204 s 23; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 39; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2014 c 162 s 12
155A.33 ENFORCEMENT.
Subdivision 1.Proceedings.
If the board, or a complaint committee if authorized by the board, has a reasonable basis for believing that a person has engaged in or is about to engage in a violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce, the board or complaint committee may proceed as provided in subdivision 2 or 3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all hearings must be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Subd. 2.Legal actions.
(a) When necessary to prevent an imminent violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce, the board, or a complaint committee if authorized by the board, may bring an action in the name of the state in the District Court of Ramsey County in which jurisdiction is proper to enjoin the act or practice and to enforce compliance with the statute, rule, or order. On a showing that a person has engaged in or is about to engage in an act or practice that constitutes a violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce, the court shall grant a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate relief.
(b) For purposes of injunctive relief under this subdivision, irreparable harm exists when the board shows that a person has engaged in or is about to engage in an act or practice that constitutes violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce.
(c) Injunctive relief granted under paragraph (a) does not relieve an enjoined person from criminal prosecution by a competent authority, or from action by the board under subdivision 3, 4, 5, or 6 with respect to the person's license or registration, or application for examination, license, registration, or renewal.
Subd. 3.Cease and desist orders.
(a) The board, or complaint committee if authorized by the board, may issue and have served upon an unlicensed or unregistered person, or a holder of a license or registration, an order requiring the person to cease and desist from an act or practice that constitutes a violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce. The order must (1) give reasonable notice of the rights of the person named in the order to request a hearing, and (2) state the reasons for the entry of the order. No order may be issued under this subdivision until an investigation of the facts has been conducted under section 214.10.
(b) Service of the order under this subdivision is effective when the order is personally served on the person or counsel of record, or served by certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board for the person or counsel of record.
(c) The board must hold a hearing under this subdivision not later than 30 days after the board receives the request for the hearing, unless otherwise agreed between the board, or complaint committee if authorized by the board, and the person requesting the hearing.
(d) Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the administrative law judge must issue a report within 30 days of the close of the contested case hearing. Within 30 days after receiving the report and subsequent exceptions and argument, the board shall issue a further order vacating, modifying, or making permanent the cease and desist order. If no hearing is requested within 30 days of service of the order, the order becomes final and remains in effect until modified or vacated by the board.
Subd. 4.Licensing and registration actions.
(a) With respect to a person who is a holder of or applicant for a license or registration under this chapter, the board may by order deny, refuse to renew, suspend, temporarily suspend, or revoke the application, license, or registration, censure or reprimand the person, refuse to permit the person to sit for examination, or refuse to release the person's examination grades, if the board finds that such an order is in the public interest and that, based on a preponderance of the evidence presented, the person has:
(1) violated a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce;
(2) engaged in conduct or acts that are fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest, related to the practice of a profession regulated by this chapter, if the fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest conduct or acts reflect adversely on the person's ability or fitness to engage in the practice of the profession;
(3) engaged in conduct or acts that constitute malpractice, are negligent, demonstrate incompetence, or are otherwise in violation of the standards in the rules of the board, where the conduct or acts relate to the practice of a profession regulated by this chapter;
(4) employed fraud or deception in obtaining a license, registration, renewal, or reinstatement, or in passing all or a portion of the examination;
(5) had a license, registration, right to examine, or other similar authority revoked in another jurisdiction;
(6) failed to meet any requirement for issuance or renewal of the person's license or registration;
(7) advertised by means of false or deceptive statements;
(8) performed licensed services while consuming or under the influence of an intoxicant or controlled substance;
(9) demonstrated unprofessional conduct or practice;
(10) permitted an unlicensed person under the person's supervision or control to offer or practice services regulated by this chapter for compensation;
(11) practices, offered to practice, or attempted to practice by misrepresentation;
(12) failed to display a license or permit as required by rules adopted by the board;
(13) violated the board's rules governing infection control;
(14) refused to permit the board to make an inspection permitted or required by this chapter, or failed to provide the board or the attorney general on behalf of the board with any documents or records they request; or
(15) with respect to temporary suspension orders, has committed an act, engaged in conduct, or committed practices that the board, or complaint committee if authorized by the board, has determined may result or may have resulted in an immediate threat to the public.
(b) In lieu of or in addition to any remedy under paragraph (a), the board may, as a condition of continued licensure or registration, termination of suspension, reinstatement of licensure or registration, examination, or release of examination results, require that the person:
(1) submit to a quality review of the person's ability, skills, or quality of work, conducted in a manner and by a person or entity that the board determines; or
(2) completes to the board's satisfaction continuing education as the board requires.
(c) Service of an order under this subdivision is effective if the order is served in person, or is served by certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board by the licensee, registrant, applicant, or counsel of record. The order must state the reason for the entry of the order.
(d) Except as provided in subdivision 5, paragraph (c), all hearings under this subdivision must be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Subd. 5.Temporary suspension.
(a) When the board, or complaint committee if authorized by the board, issues a temporary suspension order, the suspension provided for in the order is effective on service of a written copy of the order on the licensee, registrant, or counsel of record. The order must specify the statute, rule, or order violated by the licensee or registrant. The order remains in effect until the board issues a final order in the matter after a hearing, or on agreement between the board and the licensee or registrant.
(b) An order under this subdivision may (1) prohibit the licensee or registrant from engaging in the practice of a profession regulated by the board in whole or in part, as the facts require, and (2) condition the termination of the suspension on compliance with a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce. The order must state the reasons for entering the order and must set forth the right to a hearing as provided in this subdivision.
(c) Within ten days after service of an order under this subdivision, the licensee or registrant may request a hearing in writing. The board must hold a hearing before its own members within five working days of the request for a hearing. The sole issue at the hearing must be whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or terminate the temporary suspension. The hearing is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. Evidence presented to the board or the licensee or registrant may be in affidavit form only. The licensee, registrant, or counsel of record may appear for oral argument.
(d) Within five working days after the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the order continues the suspension, shall schedule a contested case hearing within 30 days of the issuance of the order. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days after the closing of the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days of receiving the report.
Subd. 6.Violations; penalties; costs.
(a) The board may impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation on a person who violates a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce.
(b) In addition to any penalty under paragraph (a), the board may impose a fee to reimburse the board for all or part of the cost of (1) the proceedings resulting in disciplinary action authorized under this section, (2) the imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (a), or (3) the issuance of a cease and desist order. The board may impose a fee under this paragraph when the board shows that the position of the person who has violated a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce is not substantially justified unless special circumstances make such a fee unjust, notwithstanding any rule to the contrary. Costs under this paragraph include, but are not limited to, the amount paid by the board for services from the Office of Administrative Hearings, attorney fees, court reporter costs, witness costs, reproduction of records, board members' compensation, board staff time, and expenses incurred by board members and staff.
(c) All hearings under this subdivision must be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Subd. 7.Reinstatement.
Upon petition of the former or suspended licensee or registrant, the board may reinstate a suspended, revoked, or surrendered license or registration. The board may in its sole discretion place any conditions on reinstatement of a suspended, revoked, or surrendered license or registration that it finds appropriate and necessary to ensure that the purposes of this chapter are met. No license or registration may be reinstated until the former licensee or registrant has completed at least one-half of the suspension period.
History:
1993 c 204 s 24; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 40; 2005 c 27 s 7,9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 13,26; 2014 c 162 s 13
155A.34 SERVICES EXCEPTED; EMERGENCY.
Nothing in sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 prohibits services in cases of emergency where compensation or other reward is not received, nor in domestic service, nor in the practice of medicine, surgery, dentistry, podiatry, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic, or barbering. This section shall not be construed to authorize any of the persons so exempted to wave the hair, or to color, tint, or bleach the hair, in any manner.
History:
1981 c 357 s 44; 1993 c 204 s 25; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 41; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26; 2016 c 119 s 7
155A.35 APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS.
Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation, not a resident of Minnesota, who engages in Minnesota in the practices regulated in sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 shall file with the board the name and address of a duly authorized agent for service of legal process, which agent for service shall be a resident of the state of Minnesota.
History:
1981 c 357 s 45; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1993 c 204 s 26; 2004 c 269 art 3 s 42; 2005 c 27 s 9; 2009 c 78 art 6 s 26
155A.355 PROHIBITED USES.
Subdivision 1.Single-use equipment and materials.
Single-use equipment, implements, or materials that are made or constructed of paper, wood, or other porous materials must only be used for one application or client service. Presence of used articles in the work area is prima facie evidence of reuse. Failure to dispose of the materials in this subdivision is punishable by penalty under section 155A.25, subdivision 1a, paragraph (c), clause (7).
Subd. 2.Skin-cutting equipment.
Razor-type callus shavers, rasps, or graters designed and intended to cut growths of skin such as corns and calluses, including but not limited to credo blades, are prohibited. Presence of these articles in the work area is prima facie evidence of use and is punishable by penalty in section 155A.25, subdivision 1a, paragraph (c), clause (8).
Subd. 3.Substances.
Licensees must not use any of the following substances or products in performing cosmetology services:
(1) methyl methacrylate liquid monomers, also known as MMA; and
(2) fumigants, including but not limited to formalin tablets or formalin liquids.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes