Permanent makeup: Let's just clean it up, legislator says

A bill that would require permanent-makeup technicians to pass a test to practice their craft in Nevada cleared the state Assembly this week 42-0.

Its next step is the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

Permanent makeup technician Laura Burns said she agrees with Assembly Bill 360's sponsor, Valerie Weber, that the industry does need to be cleaned up. But she'd rather Nevada adopt a certification test, rather than use one done by private organizations. Tattoo artists are excluded from the proposed law.

"My point is that permanent makeup is still tattooing and if you're going to regulate one you should regulate all of it," she said Wednesday. "I am for the bill as far as cleaning up the industry. I think overall it will be better for the consumer to have a better educated technician."

The bill makes it unlawful to practice permanent cosmetics without a license. In Nevada's 17 counties, the technician is required only to secure a business license and pass a location inspection from the county health department. AB360 also says the Nevada Health Division must adopt regulations concerning permanent cosmetics and charge a fee for issuing and renewing licenses.

Several amendments were made to the bill since its introduction on March 22. Assemblywoman Weber, R-Clark County, said technicians would be required to pass a national exam, such as the ones conducted by the American Academy of Micropigmentation or the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals or an equivalent national certification organization that is recognized by the local health authority. As the bill reads now, the technician would have until July 1, 2006, to earn this certification.

"Based on how it's written now, come July 1, 2006, if a technician wants to renew their license they're going to have to present to their local health department that they're certified nationally," Weber said.

A date for the Senate committee's hearing on the bill has not yet been set.

n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.