Protect Yourself – 10 Steps
Why is advocacy a professional responsibility?
As a NCEA Certified professional you are obligated to promote and advance the best interests of the profession and the consumers we serve. By advocating for higher education standards in the esthetic profession, you are advocating for the safety and wellness of consumers, following NCEA code of ethics, shaping rules and regulations, contributing to higher standards.
In recent years, several state laws have required that Estheticians work "under medical supervision or require a Medical Director" to perform certain procedures. Unfortunately, the intent of this regulation–to protect the public–has penalized consumers, and is somewhat misleading. Estheticians are having to charge higher prices for services. On average an Esthetician is having to pay up to $1600 a month for a "Medical Director" in order to meet this supervision requirement. A couple of others issues that are now coming-to light are: i) the "supervising medical director" is not carrying the correct "medical director" insurance, which is different than their standard medical malpractice policy, thereby leaving the esthetician and themselves exposed; ; ii) the clause "under medical supervision" does not always mean that the consumer actually sees or consults with the medical director. In some cases, the "medical supervisor" doesn't even establish care–no consultation or meet and greet, direct or decide care, or sign-off/review procedural notes. With increased advocacy for our profession, you can help to shape the future of esthetic laws, rules, and regulations.
How long does advocacy take?
Advocacy can take 3-5 years or longer, in order to bring a result and change. That's why maintaining your NCEA Individual Membership is vital in order to provide the financial resources needed to support NCEA advocacy efforts, fund research, and drive positive change.
Identifying an issue - NCEA's position on "What is a Medical Spa?"
A medical spa is a facility that during all hours of business shall operate under the on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional operating within their scope of practice, with a staff that operates within their scope of practice as defined by their individual licensing board, if licensure is required. The facility may offer traditional, complementary, and alternative health practices and treatments in a spa-like setting.
An issue once identified, then requires a remedy, whether through legislation, regulation or funding. Identifying the key stakeholders, including other interest groups, construction of the argument, organizing NCEA membership, and planning the strategy with specific attainable, and measurable tasks. In the United States, this type of actionable plan will have to occur in all 50 state legislatures. Building support for a position, the solution and getting political support to ensure the desired changes takes place, requires constant monitoring and evaluating each step of the entire process.
What can I do?
Advocating can create opportunities for growth and career advancement. Getting your National Esthetician Certification is the highest voluntary credential in the United States–helping to raise the standards of our profession beyond entry-level licensure. The NCEA Certified credential signifies the value and credibility for consumers in determining the expertise and training of an Esthetician. The NCEA Certified credentialing exam provides a standardized, valid, legally defensible exam using psychometric principles.
Get involved in your state
Educate your state regulatory board and legislators (and other professionals) about what you do. They need to know that the NCEA Certified credential’s competency-based exam evaluates the Esthetician’s skills and knowledge at a 1200-hour level. NCEA created this affordable pathway for endorsement and/or reciprocity, (exchanging your license) so you can move to another state with higher hours and get a license and/or Advanced or Master Esthetician License.
The majority of states still only require about 600-hours (or less) of schooling in order to get a license. We now have over a dozen states that require more hours. (a good thing!) An Esthetician moving from a 600-hour license may be required to go back to school, even with years of work experience. (a bad thing!) We are losing Estheticians from this profession due to these roadblocks!
Many states are now recognizing in rule or law that the NCEA Certified credential can be used for equivalency, thereby allowing the Esthetician to exchange their license in that state. (and saving the Estheticians $$ from going back to school.) By ensuring the Esthetician’s competency through the NCEA Certified credential, a state regulatory board can meet their mission of protecting the consumer and keep Estheticians working in the profession they love.
10 Steps to Get Involved and Protect Your Future!
- Bookmark your State Regulatory Board’s website in your browser and check it monthly for:
i) Board meeting dates and try to attend;
ii) Meet your State Regulatory Board members;
iii) Board minutes (if you didn’t attend meeting);iv) Review any press releases (if available);
iv) Bi-annually – Download & Review Rules & Regulations
*Check for revisions & dates – Download & Review Statutes
- Sign up (if available) to receive your state regulatory board eNewsletters/bulletins.
- Like, follow and SHARE the NCEA social media channels and network with esthetician licensees in your state
- Maintain your NCEA Membership and NCEA Certified credential. 'Frame and Hang' your plaques where your clients will see them
- Be sure you are a Registered Voter and ACT ON LEGISALTIVE ALERTS WE SEND YOU
- Meet your State’s elected officials and educate them (and staffers) about what an Esthetician is – give them a facial treatment.
- Ask your local legislator's office admin to alert you of bills regarding esthetician licensing.
- Find out how your State legislature is structured, and learn how bills can be introduced, then work with NCEA for key elements to be included.
- Get NCEA Certified and be better prepared for the future.
- Understand the BIG PICTURE – Know what is going on in your state, and nationally. Remember that any new terms you introduce will impact our profession. Example: Skincare Specialists, Esthetician, Aesthetician, Advanced Esthetician, Master Esthetician... How are we protecting consumers with so many licensing terms that represent the profession?
Committees’ Mission Statements
Advisory Committees
Chair: Executive Director
Advise the Executive Director in coordinating and facilitating activities of the NCEA.
The Advisory Committee consists of all Committee Chairs
Support the Executive Director
Certification Program Committee
Oversee training and instructors’ manual development: To include corrections, ensuring consistency with test and NCEA 1200 hour Job Tasks. Coordinate use of subject matter experts for further test development. Develop new marketing strategies and review existing plan.
Approved Training Facility/Testing Center Committee
Overview of business aspects, criteria and qualifications of Approved Training Facilities (ATFs)/Testing Centers. Ensure compliance with existing membership guidelines and set disciplinary actions.
NCEA Continuing Education (CEs) Committee
Establish CE application guidelines and implement CE program for recertification. Develop criteria for CE providers and speakers. These guidelines would include” Conflict of Interest Statements, Class Objectives, etc. NCEA CE Providers must be Approved Training Facilities.
Trainer Committee
Encourage NCEA candidates to meet the requirements and complete their certification. Trainers work one-on-one with the candidate to guide them through the certification program by providing support and encouragement. Trainers must be NCEA Certified.
National Standards Committee
Oversee the state representatives, identify current issues that need to be addressed by NCEA Membership and provide NCEA National Standards as guidance to state regulatory boards.
Membership Committee
Recruit and retain current NCEA membership. Create opportunities for new members to network and get involved! Increase attendance at NCEA Member meetings and sponsored events through email communications and personal communications.
NCEA Grassroots Advocacy
A grassroots campaign allows individual members, manufacturers/distributors to weigh in on important issues that affect the skin care industry and individual licensees. The NCEA biannual meetings provide a forum to discuss these issues with an entire room of concerned members who can make in impact. A majority vote wins on a proposed issue or standard. The standard(s) are then sent to our state regulatory boards for consideration. Each individual member can make a difference!
