September 2009 - Oregon
Taking License | by Kraig Bohot
Due to continuing concerns over the cost for cosmetology school graduates to enter the field, the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) and Board of Cosmetology are working to find an equitable solution.
New OHLA director Randy Everitt met with board chair Mike Snook recently to explore several different fee scenarios.
At an administrative rules public hearing on August 31, Snook presented a fee scenario that reduces entry-to-practice fees while slightly increasing facility and independent contractor fees, which have not increased for nearly a decade.
The fee scenario Snook presented to independent rules hearings officer Bert Krages reduces the amount cosmetology school graduates would need to pay to become certified in all four fields of practice, from $510 to $300.
To become certified in three fields, graduates would pay $230 compared to $395.
Under the same scenario, facility owners would pay $125 compared to $100 for a two-year license and independent contractors would pay $125 compared to $75 for an initial two-year registration and $100 for a two-year renewal registration.
The new fee scenario eases entry into the field for new cosmetology school graduates while shifting the cost to facility owners and independent contractors, who arguably receive the most direct services from OHLA in the thousands of facility inspections the agency conducts annually.
While it might be unrealistic to expect everyone to agree on licensing fees, OHLA has shown a willingness to listen to stakeholders and explore all possible solutions.
OHLA is also allowing more time for licensees and other stakeholders to comment on proposed fees, until November 28. Contact Samie Patnode, OHLA policy analyst, at (503) 373-1917 or samie.patnode@state.or.us.
What do you think? As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated!
Do you have a question about licensing or regulatory compliance issues? This new monthly feature provides answers. To submit a question, e-mail kraig.bohot@state.or.us or call 503-373-1939.
Q: Can I provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of my Social Security number (SSN) when applying for practitioner certification or a facility license?
A: Yes. OHLA revised its position on ITINs after further review and stakeholder feedback.
Find FAQ Answers Online! Find more answers to frequently asked questions online at http://www.oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/COS_FAX.shtml.
How many practitioners and facilities are active in Oregon? (Numbers in parentheses +/- change from previous month.) According to Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) records as of August 31, 2009:
Practitioners 30,927 (-345)
Facilities 4,505 (+26)
Independent contractors 6,966 (+71)
Certificate of ID 237 (+2)
Barbering 5,234 (-196)
Esthetics 13,396 (-107)
Hair Design 20,916 (-184)
Nail Technology 14,536 (-124)
The Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) temporarily discontinued administering the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination on August 11 due to concerns over examination security.
OHLA resumed offering the examination on August 20, but switched from touch-screen computer testing to a paper and pencil format.
Applicants who pass the examination and pay related fees can expect to receive certification in 10 to 14 business days. Previously with computer touch-screen testing, OHLA offered same-day licensing.
“Same-day licensing is obviously a wonderful benefit of touch-screen testing, but ensuring the integrity of the examination is our priority at this point,” says new OHLA director Randy Everitt. “We will do everything in our power to restore same-day licensing while taking the necessary steps to prevent future security issues.”
In the interim, OHLA is working to streamline the certification process using the pencil and paper examination format.
Earlier in 2009, OHLA requested an NIC security site review that determined the integrity of the examination had been compromised.
After receiving the results of the review from the NIC on Aug. 10, Everitt decided to temporarily discontinue the examination after consulting with the OHLA management team, Board of Cosmetology chair Mike Snook and Oregon Department of Administrative Services director Scott Harra.
"To ensure the security, integrity and continuance of the NIC examination, we must follow a rigorous process that involves working with the various vendors who deliver the examination in the touch-screen format,” says Everitt. “This process may take some time.”
Contact information: For more information or to schedule a written examination, please contact an OHLA customer service representative at (503) 373-1678.
Are examinations given on a walk-in basis? No. Examinations will be pre-scheduled by appointment only.
What phone number do I call to schedule my examination appointment? OHLA has set up a special hotline to schedule appointments at (503) 373-1678.
Where will examinations be held?
Oregon Health Licensing Agency, Rhoades Conference Room 700 Summer St NE, Suite 320, Salem, OR 97301-1287
How will tests be administered?
Paper and pencil style.
Is OHLA continuing to use the NIC written examination?
Yes
What if I have to take only the Oregon Laws and Rules examination?
Computer-based testing for the Oregon Laws and Rules examinations is still available on a walk-in basis. See specific criteria below:
What should I bring to the examination?
Two forms of identification (one must be photographic under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 331-030-0000(10)) when sitting for the examination.
When will computer-based testing resume?
Once sufficient security measures have been met.
Will I get my certificate today?
No. Same-day licensing has been suspended until sufficient security measures have been met.
Once I have taken my examinations when can I expect to receive my certification?
Each examination must be sent to the NIC for grading and authentication. You should receive your certificate in 10 to 14 business days.
Oregon Health Licensing Agency
700 Summer Street NE, Suite 320 • Salem, OR 97301-1287
Licensing Office (503) 378-8667 • Enforcement Unit (503) 378-4294
www.oregon.gov/OHLA
OHLA Agency Staff:
Brian DeForest, Acting Director
Tim Molloy, Regulatory Operations
Board of Cosmetology:
Michael D. Snook, Salem - Chair
Debora Masten, Salem - Vice Chair
Linda Bergmann, Florence
Patricia A. Hall, Pendleton
Herb Hirst, North Plains
Sharon Wiser, Lake Oswego
Shelly Couch, Gladstone
