Arizona Board of Cosmetology Attorney

The job of the Arizona Cosmetology Board (located in Phoenix, AZ) is to protect and promote the medical welfare of the people of Arizona. They do this by ensuring each professional who holds a license as a cosmetology professionals in Arizona is able to practice safely and promote health. This means the Arizona Board of Cosmetology has the authority to discipline the license and practice of any cosmetology professionals that comes in contact with Arizona.

Chelle Law’s Arizona Cosmetology Board Attorney has represented over 1000 health care professionals before the Board and have the professional licensing defense experience needed to defend the rights of cosmetology professionals with Arizona Board of Podiatry Examiners healthcare litigation matters. Our office and defense attorneys assist:

• Cosmetologist
• Nail Technician
• Aesthetician
• Hairsytlist
• Salon
• Cosmetology School
• Instructor

Links of Interest:

• Appeals
• Complaint
• Discipline
• License Probation

Arizona Board of Cosmetology License Complaint

Who can file a complaint against a cosmetology professionals? Patients, Health Care Facilities, cosmetology professionals, other health care professionals, among others can contact the Board and allege legal violations. When the Arizona Cosmetology Board receives a complaint the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed) and a case is opened.  After this happens, the cosmetology professionals receives notice and the Board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial and can protect your rights. This is because a cosmetology professionals must submit a response, interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at a AZ Podiatry Board Meeting. Our office can assist cosmetology professionals with interpreting  Arizona law.

AZ Board Application Denial Assistance

Applicants to the Arizona Cosmetology Board who have a criminal history from years ago (like a DUI) or previous case discipline by the Arizona Cosmetology Board (or any other Podiatry Board) may be subject to denial of their application for licensure. Thus, those with a criminal or disciplinary history from other licensing boards will be investigated by the Arizona Cosmetology Board after receiving contact of an investigation.

Cosmetologist Administrative Appeal and Hearing

Any professional cosmetology professionals licensee may request a legal appeal of an Arizona Cosmetology Board disciplinary action to an administrative law judge with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) which is located in Phoenix. In some instances, a case is sent automatically to OAH. The OAH hearing is conducted before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  The administrative process is not as formal as a trial, but is similar. Each party presents evidence using documents or sworn testimony. Each party also gives an opening and closing argument which should explain why the judge should rule one way or the other. A cosmetology professional’s attorney can cross examine witnesses and testify on his or her behalf. After it is completed, the ALJ reviews the transcripts, evidence and makes a recommendation. However, the Board makes the decision to either accept, reject or modify the ALJ’s decision.  If an individuals feels there has been a mistake they can request a rehearing.

Cosmetology Board Disciplinary Actions

Cosmetology professionals who hold a license or certification in Arizona can face license actions by the AZ Cosmetology professionals Board for any investigatory matters.  If the Board determines formal licensing action is necessary it will happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona Podiatry Practice Act and Arizona law.  Thus, at an Arizona Cosmetology Board Meeting the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation, thus, a defense attorney may be needed.  The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the cosmetology professionals formal discipline.

Examples of Disciplinary Actions include:

• CASE DISMISSAL:  The Board may dismiss a case if they determine there was not a violation of Arizona law.
• LETTER OF CONCERN: A letter from the Board expressing concern that the cosmetology professional’s conduct was not ideal; however, the conduct does not necessarily violate Arizona law. (Not uncommon for a first time DUI)
• NON-DISCIPLINARY ORDER:  The Board will require a prescribed number of hours of continuing education that provides the necessary understanding of current developments, skills, procedures or treatment.
• DECREE OF CENSURE: A decree of censure is the lowest level of formal discipline.  There are no probationary requirements.
• CIVIL PENALTY: This is similar to a Decree of Censure. The difference is a cosmetology professionals can receive a fine (up to $2000 per violation).
• PROBATION: Probation is offered through a Consent Agreement.  The Consent Agreement requires the cosmetology professionals to do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education).  Or alternatively, refrain from doing things (unsupervised care, using alcohol, etc.).
• SUSPENSION: A suspension stops the cosmetology professionals from practicing as a cosmetology professionals for a period of time until the Board lifts the suspension.
• REVOCATION: If the Board revokes a cosmetology professional‘s license the cosmetology professionals will be unable to provide care for a minimum amount of time.  After the period the cosmetology professionals will have to reapply for their license after the five year period has ended.  If the cosmetology professionals reapplies for licensure the nurse must must demonstrate that the grounds for revocation (substance abuse, mental health problems, criminal convictions, medical issues) has been rectified.
• VOLUNTARY SURRENDER: The cosmetology professionals voluntarily gives up their license.  The benefit of a voluntary surrender is that the Board is usually willing to reduce the amount of time until a cosmetology professionals can reapply (between 2 to 3 years).

Contact Our Licensing Board Attorney

If you’re interested in learning more about our license defense lawyer services (located in Phoenix) and how to protect your rights, set up a consultation with Chelle Law and our Arizona Cosmetology professionals Attorney reach out to us today.