July 2009

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
1929 Gateway Circle • Grove City, Ohio 43123
Local: (614) 466-3834 • Statewide: 1-866-642-6723
http://cos.ohio.gov

Big Changes about to Become a Reality for Cosmetology in Ohio

An update from Director Kevin L. Miller

At the time of this writing, the budget for the state of Ohio was stuck in Conference Committee as Senators, Representatives and Governor Strickland, try to iron out their differences in their spending and reduction proposals.

It is unfortunate that this process continues to linger as language changes in the bill affecting Cosmetology wait in the balance. It is not a stretch to say that once this bill is signed, the changes it includes concerning cosmetology will make it the most significant law changes in the industry since The Board’s inception in 1933.

With such an emphasis on No Child Left Behind and increasing educational standards, it has been a priority in the last couple of years to begin building a better image of the cosmetology professionals in Ohio.

Currently, only a 10th grade education is needed to attend a school and take your exam. We are one of only two boards that did not require a GED or high school diploma to enter our field.

As you can imagine, it is difficult to be taken seriously as a profession when lobbying legislators about the complex needs of our industry when their stereotype involves drop outs or “lower level” education levels. That is all about to change.

Ohio will soon require that any candidate who wishes to take the exam must have a GED or high school diploma. This change will have a huge impact on gaining credibility and enhancing the image of the cosmetology profession in Ohio.

Additionally, in an effort to combat repeat violators (and to get the attention of cosmetology professionals everywhere in Ohio), the minimum fine amounts will dramatically increase.

First time violators may see fine amounts rise from $100 dollars to $500 dollars. Subsequent repeat offenses will increase to $1,000 and $1,500 respectively.

Finally, the crown jewel of the legislative changes is the amnesty program which enables individuals who had a license in a lapsed status to regain their credential without testing. It will mean paying back fees and taking additional hours. If you are interested in this program, please call our offices for further information.

All people involved in cosmetology in Ohio should feel proud of the ongoing efforts to increase accountability and customer service in our field. Be sure to visit our web site to stay informed of all things cosmetology in Ohio.

Cut It Out Training Scheduled

The response to last months article about Cut It Out domestic violence training has been tremendous. Since the last issue, we’ve scheduled more than a dozen trainings across the state. The next training open to the public is:

October 5, 2009

Pioneer Career and Technical Center
27 Ryan Road, Shelby, OH
Ohio State Beauty Academy –Lima
57 Town Street, Lima, Ohio 45801
Contact Venica Miller at (614) 466-3552 or venica.miller@ohioattorneygeneral.gov to RSVP.

If you would like to host a seminar, please fill out the training request form on our web site at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/victim/CutItOut_Request_Form.pdf.

Please watch this space for updates on future trainings. Thank you again!

We are also pleased to announce that all 8 Regency Schools of Cosmetology across the state are adopting the Cut It Out program, starting this Fall. We look forward to working with them to train future generations of stylists in what to look for if they suspect a client is being abused.

One of the other ways the Ohio Attorney General’s Office helps victims of crime is by providing financial compensation to victims of violent crime through our crime Victim Compensation program. If a victim has medical or counseling bills they cannot pay, or has missed work, the program may be able to help. In order to qualify, victims must file a police report and fill out the form located on our website at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/victim/compensation. The downloadable form is located on the right-hand side of the page, titled “Application for Compensation.”

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is here to help. If you have any questions about Cut It Out, the Victim Compensation program, or any of the other trainings we provide, please contact us at (800) 582-2877 or (614) 466-5610.

To keep up-to-date on everything going on in our office, and for a list of trainings, please visit www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I obtain a Cosmetology Board license in the State of Ohio if I am currently licensed in another state?

You will need to submit the Out of State License Application as well as contact the state board in which you were originally licensed and request they mail a board certification directly to our office. The Ohio board does not accept board certifications from applicants.
When we receive the board certification from your original state board and the OSL application we will determine how you can obtain an Ohio license:

License by Reciprocity

License by practical & written examination (eligible to apply for work permit)

License by written examination only (eligible to apply for work permit)

Upon approval of your OSL and Board Certification, our licensing office will mail the required application to you. Allow 4-6 weeks to receive the required application.

Q. How Can I Change my Name / Address?

A name change will require a copy of your legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) to be sent to the Board office. A certified copy is not required; a photocopy or scanned image is sufficient. You can send the information to the Board office by email, fax, or mail.
Address changes are much more common and even more important in order to receive your license, renewal application, etc. Address changes may be submitted to the Board office by phone, fax, email, or mail. Changes of Address orders that are filed with the U.S. Post Office expire after 12 months. There is still activity on an expired permanent Change of Address in months 13 through 18, during which the mail piece is returned and the sender is notified of the new address. After month 18, the mail piece is returned to the sender noting “Forwarding Order Expired”.

Q. What is an Independent Contractor (IC) license?

This license allows a person who holds a current, active manager’s license to rent space or a booth in an Ohio licensed salon.
The type of license you hold determines the type of salon in which you are permitted to work. Your license MUST correspond with the salon’s license. The only exception is Cosmetologists. Cosmetologists are permitted to work in any cosmetology licensed salon..

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
1929 Gateway Circle
Grove City, Ohio 43123
Local: (614) 466-3834
Statewide: 1-866-642-6723
Fax: (614) 644-6880
E-mail: ohcosbd@cos.state.oh.us
http://cos.ohio.gov

Board Members:
Steve Thompson, Chairman, Independent Contractor
Daisy Rickman, Cosmetologist & Salon Owner
NeCole Cumberlander, School Owner
Kimberly Thomas, Salon Owner
Dr. Marilyn Huheey, Medical Doctor
Bernadine Neal, Cosmetology Instructor
Delores Gillis, Cosmetologist
Charles Penzone, Cosmetologist & Salon Owner
Dr. Milroy Samuel, General Public