Licensing protects the public

Iowa occupational licensing laws have become a hot topic: in the Iowa Legislature, in the editorial sections of several Iowa publications, and beyond. Many have argued that these laws in our state are burdensome government regulations that need to be repealed. Many have questioned the need for state boards, and have suggested we do away with them altogether. I hope to shed some light from the perspective of a licensed Iowa cosmetologist and an active member of the Professional Beauty Association, and share my views on reforms that will address current concerns while ensuring public health and safety.

Over the last several years, the Professional Beauty Association and other local groups have worked tirelessly with licensees, state legislators and regulators in Iowa, and across the country, about the issue of occupational licensing deregulation. Common factors for the reasons behind deregulation efforts include: the inconsistent number of cosmetology hours required to obtain a cosmetology license in one state versus another, excessive education hours overall, inconsistent treatment of license types, and lack of license reciprocity among others. My industry recognizes these concerns, and is uniting to create solutions that will address these issues, while keeping professional licensing intact, and thus the public safe and healthy.

Obtaining my license through the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences signified the start of my career and represented hard work and extensive training. As a cosmetology school graduate of the Aveda Institute Des Moines, my education included cleanliness and sanitation requirements. Before receiving my license, I had to prove to the board, via exam, that I could identify ingrown toenail and fungal infections, staph infections, nail separation, permanent nail disfigurement, and others to stop the spread of infectious disease. My training made me an expert in utilizing chemicals and tools safely and efficiently. The Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences is also responsible for ensuring that salon establishments are held accountable for health and safety violations. Without my license and without the board, anyone would be able to provide these services, regardless of any education, whatsoever.

The public has shown widespread support for professional licensing. A postelection study conducted in December 2012 showed 94 percent of respondents support requiring their stylist, barber, nail technician or aesthetician to be licensed. This is a bipartisan policy with 97 percent of Democrats, 92 percent of Republicans, and 92 percent of independents supporting licensing. Because of these reasons, state-mandated occupational licensing must remain intact. However, I agree that we must change with the times, and my industry is working together with legislators to encourage reform and consistency across states.

PBA, as part of the Beauty Industry Working Group, is working to suggest the development of consistent standards and recommendations for the professional beauty industry. They support:

' Consistent number of hours for cosmetology schools across the U.S.

' National Testing

' Continuing Education

' License Reciprocity

The Beauty Industry Working Group has commissioned reports from non-partisan research firms NDP Analytics and the American Institutes for Research to provide fact-based, unbiased data to law makers and the general public. Our industry wants to be part of the solution, and be transparent. The reports and postelection study can be accessed by anyone at https://probeauty.org/biwg

' Kollan Kolthoff is a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Iowa and current student in political science at the University of Iowa. Comments: kollan-kolthoff@uiowa.edu