Three Requests From the Owner in Week One
You are a licensed esthetician at a new salon in Bowling Green. In your first week the owner, a licensed cosmetologist, makes three requests: (1) perform a 'plasma fibroblast' under-eye treatment with a pen-shaped device she bought online, saying 'the manufacturer's video shows how'; (2) let a 17-year-old high-school work-study student perform extractions on your client while you take another client, since 'she's learning'; (3) keep the salon's licenses and yours in a desk drawer, because 'the inspector only comes once a year.' A 15-year-old then books a back facial for acne and wants to come alone. The salon's only consent form is written for adults, and the owner says the teen can 'just sign it.'
1. Respond to the three requests. For each, state your decision and the reasoning.
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Plasma device: refuse. It creates controlled thermal injury to skin - a wounding procedure outside an esthetician's scope and likely outside any license the owner holds. A manufacturer video is not training, and buying equipment does not create scope. Performing it risks her license, the salon's, and the client's eyes and skin. The legitimate path is Board approval, hands-on manufacturer training, and insurance - in writing.
Unlicensed student doing extractions: refuse. Extractions are part of an esthetics service and require a license. A work-study student may observe, clean, and set up; she may not perform services on paying clients. Students practice on clients only through an approved school's clinic, under instructor supervision.
Licenses in a drawer: not acceptable. Licenses must be displayed and available for inspection as the Board requires; a drawer fails either standard. Put them up, and confirm the exact display requirement with the Board rather than with the owner.
2. What must happen before the 15-year-old receives a back facial?
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Before any service: written consent from a parent or guardian on a form that names the specific service, the products, the risks - including that a back facial on acne can irritate and that extractions can mark - the aftercare, and the guardian's contact information and signature. Ideally the guardian is present or reachable by phone during the service. Verify whether Kentucky Board rules add requirements for minors; if the rule is unclear, follow the stricter interpretation and get it confirmed in writing. The adult form is not adequate, and a minor cannot simply sign it.
The service itself must stay cosmetic: cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extractions of ready comedones, a non-prescription mask, SPF. No lancing, no prescription products, no 'acne surgery.' If the acne is cystic, inflamed, or painful, refer to a dermatologist and document the referral.
Chart the consultation, the guardian's name and phone number, the consent, and the service performed.
3. If the owner insists on all three, what are your options and obligations?
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Your license is personal and it is what is at risk - not the owner's instructions. In order:
Put your objections in writing (email is fine) so there is a record that you flagged scope, supervision, licensure, and license-display issues. Decline in the moment: 'I'm not licensed for that, and I won't perform it.' Cite Kentucky cosmetology law and Board regulations governing scope, licensure, and sanitation, and ask the owner which rule authorizes the service - make her produce it.
If she continues, contact the Kentucky Board and request guidance in writing; a Board opinion protects you. Do not perform the service while you wait.
Consider your employment position. A salon that pressures staff into unlicensed procedures also has insurance and liability problems, and a client injury would name you. Keep copies of your own records and correspondence, and keep your own license documentation in your possession.