Arizona Board of Cosmetology Disciplinary Actions

Arizona Board of Cosmetology disciplinary actions are given to cosmetologists with a license or certification in Arizona.  If the Board determines formal disciplinary 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 laws and regulations. Chelle Law’s Arizona Board of Cosmetology Attorneys have represented over 1,000 health care professionals before Arizona licensing boards. At Chelle Law, our attorney’s have the experience to help cosmetologists with all Arizona Board of Cosmetology matters.

Thus, at a Board Meeting, the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation.  The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the cosmetologist formal discipline.  Disciplinary actions can include:

• Dismissal
• Letter of Concern
• Letter of Reprimand
• Letter of Reprimand with Probation
• Stipulated Rehabilitation Agreement
• Decree of Censure with Probation
• Civil Penalty
• Nondisciplinary Order for Continuing Education
• Voluntary Surrender
• Suspension
• Revocation

Arizona Board of Cosmetology Non Disciplinary Actions

• CASE DISMISSAL:  The Board may dismiss a complaint if they determine the information indicates there was not a violation of the rules of the Arizona Practice Act.  This outcome is not available to the public.
• ADVISORY LETTER: A letter from the Board expressing concern that the cosmetologist’s conduct was not ideal; however, the conduct does not necessarily violate the Practice Act or Board policy and no further contact is needed.  This will not effect future licensure or if the cosmetologist wishes to further their education. This is not shown on license verification.
• NON-DISCIPLINARY ORDER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION: An order that dictates the cosmetologist must complete a number of hours of continuing education for specific topics.

Arizona Board of Cosmetology Unprofessional Conduct

• REVOCATION: If the Board revokes a cosmetologist’s license the cosmetologist will be unable to practice or get licensed again for a minimum of five years. After the five year period license revocation the cosmetologist will need to reapply for their license. If the cosmetologist reapplies for licensure they must demonstrate the grounds for revocation (substance abuse, mental health problems, criminal convictions) has been rectified through an applicable program. This is a public document.
• VOLUNTARY SURRENDER: The cosmetologist voluntarily gives up their license. The benefit of this voluntary consent is that the Board is usually willing to reduce the amount of time until a cosmetologist can reapply. This is usually between two to three years.
• SUSPENSION: A suspension stops the cosmetologist from practicing. It prohibits any patient contact or services for a period of time until the Board lifts the suspension.
• PROBATION: The Board offers probation through a consent agreement. The consent agreement requires the cosmetologist do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education).  Alternatively, they may need to refrain from doing things (unsupervised Medical like home health, working under the Medical licensure compact, using alcohol, etc.) A request for a removal of probation will be needed.
• LETTER OF REPRIMAND: A letter of reprimand is the lowest level of formal discipline against a license or certificate. There are no probationary requirements. However, the action is on the website for five years for the public to inspect. A document removal will occur five years after signed.
• STIPULATED REHABILITATION AGREEMENT: An Agreement that dictates the cosmetologist must be monitored and complete rehabilitation. For instance, a cosmetologist found to have a substance abuse problem would be subject to drug testing, group or individual therapy, practice restrictions and supervision.

Arizona Board of Cosmetology Complaint

Who can file an Arizona Board of Cosmetology Complaint against a cosmetologist? Patients, health care facilities, other professionals, among others. When the Arizona Board of Cosmetology receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed). After this happens, the cosmetologist receives notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for cosmetologists as they must submit a response, interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at an Arizona Board of Cosmetology.

Responding to Practice Complaints and Investigations

After receiving an Arizona Board of Cosmetology Complaint or self-report, a cosmetologist receives a notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint. From here, the Board of Cosmetology assigns an investigator to the complaint and they begin to collect evidence. The documents and evidence collected includes:

• Patient medical records
• Employment files from the cosmetologist’s employer and business
• Criminal records
• Interviews of people associated with the Board Complaint (These interviewees can include the patient, medical director, colleagues, etc.)

If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Board of Cosmetology Attorney services and how to protect your license, set up a consultation with Chelle Law today.