Nail Technician Licensing: What’s Happening In Illinois And New York?

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Are you doing nails in Illinois or New York and wondering about the upcoming licensing requirements? Don’t panic. Sit tight and keep doing nails, at least for now. Rules and regulations pertaining to licensing requirements are still being written in both states. Illinois anticipates a January 1994 date for licensing to begin, and New York’s rules and regulations won’t go into effect until April 1, 1994.

Denise Andresen, vice president of the New York-based national Nail Technicians Group says that rules are being fine-tuned so that everyone can take advantage of grandfathering. A grandfather clause is a rules clause that allows a practicing nail technician to receive her license based on her professional experience prior to the enactment of a licensing law. Andresen believes nail technicians should use this time to get all their documentation together before the licensing regulations go into effect.

Kathleen McCoy , supervisor of examinations and education for the Division of Licensing Services of the New York Department of State, says an advisory committee comprised of cosmetologists, estheticians, a nail specialist, and a dermatologist will make recommendations to the secretary of state regarding nail technician licensing rules and regulations in that state.

Jean Courtney, rules coordinator for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, says Illinois does not yet have a budget for nail technician licensing. But Fred Piattoni, executive director of the Chicago Cosmetologists Association, says the law will be implemented on January 1, 1994, and that nail technicians who are already practicing will have until January 1, 1995, to grandfather in. The grandfathering process could take time, so the sooner nail technicians apply for grandfathering, the better.

What can a nail technician in these states do while she waits for the licensing bodies to finalize the rules? What can she do to prepare so she’ll quickly and easily obtain her license when 1994 rolls around? Nail Technicians and students can make sure they have completed the necessary hours of education and experience by the time licensing requirements go into effect. In Illinois they may request an application for licensing from the Department of Professional Regulation, 320 W Washington, Third Floor, Springfield, IL 62786. For specific questions and further information they may write to the Chicago Cosmetologists Association, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 61611.

In New York, an information sheet will be available January 1, 1994, and can be obtained by writing to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, 84 Holland Ave, Albany, NY 12208-3490.