Cosmetology and Related Occupations

Ark. Code Ann. tit. 17, ch. 26

in effect

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-101 Title.

This chapter shall be known and cited as the “Cosmetology Act”.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-102 Definitions.

(a) As used in this chapter: (1) “Aesthetician” means any person who engages in the practice of beautifying the body by cleaning, waxing, externally manipulating, or stimulating the body by means of the hands, devices, apparatus, or appliances with or without the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams; (2) “Cosmetological establishment” means any premises, building, part of a building, or mobile salon in which is practiced a branch or a combination of branches of cosmetology or the occupation of a cosmetologist except: (A) The branch of manicuring as practiced in barbershops licensed by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee and complying with the provisions of this chapter; (B) Nursing facilities as defined under § 20-10-1401; or (C) An establishment that only provides the washing, cleansing, drying, blow drying, combing, brushing, or styling of the hair of any person, but does not provide other services under the art of cosmetology as defined in subsection (b) of this section; (3) “Cosmetologist” means any person who: (A) Engages in the practice of cosmetology in a licensed cosmetological establishment, except the branch of electrolysis; or (B) Services a client in premises not licensed as a cosmetological establishment when the services rendered involve a special event in which the cosmetology service is to be performed for an on-site participant of the event. (4) “Electrologist” means any person who permanently removes hair from or destroys hair on the human body for beautification by the use of an electric needle or by the use of any other kinds of devices or appliances designed to permanently remove hair from the human body; (5) “Manager-operator” means a licensed cosmetologist authorized to engage in the practice of cosmetology, independent of personal supervision in a duly licensed establishment; (6) “Manicurist” means any person who engages in the occupation of manicuring the nails of any person by cutting, trimming, polishing, coloring, tinting, cleansing, filing, buffing, pushing, extending, protecting, wrapping, covering, building, or beautifying the nails or performing any other similar work upon the nails of any person by any means, including the softening of the arms, hands, feet, or ankles of any person by use of hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, cosmetic or chemical preparations, antiseptics, lotions, or creams or by massaging, cleansing, manipulating, or stimulating the arms, hands, feet, or ankles of any person; (7) “Mobile salon” means a self-contained, self-supporting, enclosed unit that: (A) Is at least twenty-four feet (24') in length; (B) May be transported from one location to another; (C) Has a base location at the home, salon, or office of the owner of the mobile salon; (D) Is licensed as a cosmetological establishment for the practice of a branch or a combination of branches of cosmetology or the occupation of a cosmetologist licensed by the Department of Health; and (E) Complies with rules established by the department; (8) “Postsecondary school of cosmetology” means a school of cosmetology that offers a postsecondary curriculum approved by the department; (9) “Registered hairstylist” means an individual who is registered with the department and who only provides washing, cleansing, drying, blow drying, combing, brushing, or styling services for the hair of any person, but does not provide other services under the art of cosmetology as described in subsection (b) of this section; (10) "School of cosmetology" means a person, firm, or corporation licensed by the state and exacting a fee for the teaching of any branch of cosmetology; and (11) “Student” means any person enrolled and engaged in learning or acquiring a knowledge of the occupation of cosmetology or any branch of cosmetology in a licensed school of cosmetology under a licensed instructor. (b) The art of cosmetology includes one (1) or more of the following practices: (1) Chemically treating, dressing, curling, waving, machineless permanent waving, permanent waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, tinting, coloring, straightening, dyeing, brushing, beautifying, or otherwise treating by any means the hair of any person or wigs or hairpieces; (2) Externally manipulating, cleaning, waxing, or stimulating the body by means of the hands, devices, apparatus, or appliances with or without the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams; (3) Beautifying the body by use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams; (4) Temporarily removing superfluous hair from the body of any person by the use of depilatories or by the use of tweezers, chemicals, or preparations or by the use of devices or appliances of any kind or description, except by the use of light waves, commonly known as rays; (5) Cutting, trimming, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, or manicuring the nails of any person; or (6) Massaging, cleansing, or beautifying the nails of any person. (c) The branch of electrolysis, a practice of cosmetology requiring a separate course of training as prescribed by § 17-26-306, includes permanently removing hair from or destroying hair on the human body by the use of an electric needle or by the use of any other kind of device or appliance designed to permanently remove hair from the human body.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-103 Scope of chapter.

(a) The following persons are exempt from this chapter: (1) All persons authorized by the laws of this state to practice medicine, surgery, dentistry, pharmacy, osteopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, or podiatry; (2) Barbers insofar as their usual and ordinary vocation and profession is concerned; (3) Employees employed to render cosmetological services in the course of and incidental to the business of employers engaged in the theatrical, radio, television, or motion picture production industry; (4) Individuals and employees rendering cosmetological services in the course of, in connection with, and incidental to the preparation of bodies for burial, or the business of embalmers and undertakers; (5) Direct-care staff as defined in § 20-10-1401 who provide routine personal hygiene and related daily care services to residents of nursing facilities as defined in § 20-10-1401 and for which the fee is included in the monthly facility charges; (6) Relatives of residents of nursing facilities as defined in § 20-10-1401 who provide cosmetological services to a related resident of a nursing facility; (7)(A) Registered hairstylists that only provide the washing, cleansing, drying, blow drying, combing, brushing, or styling the hair of any person. (B) A registered hairstylist in a cosmetology establishment may provide services only when supervised by a licensed cosmetologist who is available to address health and safety issues that may arise in providing services to a consumer; and (8) An individual who only cleanses the hair of any person for compensation. (b) This chapter does not prohibit any practice within its scope in cases of emergency, nor the administration of any practice outside of a licensed school of cosmetology or cosmetological establishment when necessary because of the illness or other physical incapacitation of the recipient of the service and when performed by a licensee obtained for the purpose from a licensed cosmetological establishment. (c) This chapter does not prohibit the recommendation, demonstration, administration, or sale of cosmetics by any person not claiming to be a cosmetologist.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-104 Unlawful practices.

(a)(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to violate this chapter or a rule adopted by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee pursuant to this chapter. (2) Evidence of a violation may result in a criminal or civil penalty. (3) Each day of a violation is a separate offense. (b)(1) Being found guilty of a criminal penalty is an unclassified misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine in any sum not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, or by both fine and imprisonment. (2) After being found guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor under this section, a subsequent charge under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (3) All prosecuting attorneys of the state and all political subdivisions of the state shall enforce this chapter and prosecute any person or entity violating it. (c)(1) Being found in violation of a civil penalty under this section may result in suspension of license, revocation of license, fine, or any combination. (2) For good cause shown and pursuant to rules of the committee, the committee may revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew at any time any license issued under this chapter on any of the grounds for disciplinary actions under § 17-26-105. (3)(A) The committee shall suspend the license of any person licensed under this chapter who has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be insane or legally incompetent. (B) The record of the adjudication shall be prima facie evidence that the person is insane or legally incompetent within the meaning of subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section. (C) The committee shall not reinstate a license that has been suspended under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section, except upon proof that the licensee has been restored to a mental condition that would allow the licensee to comply with the requirements of this chapter. (4)(A) Whenever the committee finds that a licensee or a holder of a permit issued by the committee is guilty of a violation of the rules of the committee or the laws of this state pertaining to any occupation, profession, or business licensed or regulated by the committee, the committee may impose a penalty on the licensee or permit holder in lieu of suspension or revocation of the license or permit. (B) Upon imposition of a penalty in lieu of suspension or revocation of a license or permit, the committee may require that the licensee or permit holder pay a penalty to the committee for the violation with the condition that the license or permit may be suspended until the penalty is paid. (C)(i) Before the imposition of a penalty, the committee shall hold an investigation and hearing after notice to the licensee or his or her attorney. (ii) The penalty may be imposed in lieu of revocation or suspension of a license or permit only if the committee finds that the public health, safety, welfare, and morals would not be impaired and that the penalty achieves the desired disciplinary result. (5)(A) The committee shall establish by rule the penalty system to be imposed under this section. (B) The minimum penalty shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and a maximum penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000) is authorized if the penalty is imposed by the committee in lieu of revocation or suspension of a license or permit. (C) The committee shall establish by rule an option that mandates a person to attend a health and safety training course in lieu of or in addition to paying a penalty. (6) The power of the committee to impose penalties shall not be affected by any other civil or criminal proceeding concerning the violation. (d) The committee may refuse to issue a license to any person upon reasonable evidence that the person would jeopardize the health and safety of the public. (e) Any person penalized by the committee under this chapter may appeal any order of the committee in the manner provided by law. (f) The committee may impose a civil penalty as provided in this section against any unlicensed person, firm, or corporation practicing or offering to practice any act that requires licensure under this chapter.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-105 Grounds for disciplinary action.

The grounds for disciplinary action are as follows: (1) Failure of a person, firm, or corporation operating a cosmetological establishment or school of cosmetology or engaged in the practice of cosmetology or any of its branches to comply with the requirements of this chapter and the rules of the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee; (2) Failure to comply with the rules governing health and safety adopted by the committee and approved by the State Board of Health for the regulation of cosmetological establishments, schools of cosmetology, or the practice of the occupation of cosmetician or cosmetologist; (3) Obtaining practice in cosmetology or any branch thereof or money or any other thing of value by fraudulent misrepresentation; (4) Gross malpractice; (5) Continued practice by a person knowingly having an infectious or contagious disease; (6) Habitual drunkenness or habitual addiction to the use of morphine or any habit-forming drug; (7) Advertisement by means of knowingly false or deceptive statements; (8) Permitting a certificate of registration or license to be used when the holder is not personally, actively, and continuously engaged in business; (9) Failure to display the license; (10) Conviction under the laws of the United States or any state or territory of the United States of a crime that is: (A) A felony listed under § 17-3-102, as evidenced by a certified copy of a court record or by license application; or (B) A misdemeanor involving dishonesty or is in any way related to the practice or teaching of the cosmetology industry, (11) Engaging, outside of a licensed school of cosmetology or cosmetological establishment and for compensation in any form whatever, in any practice for which a license is required under this chapter, except that when such a service is necessary because of the illness or other physical incapacity of the person with respect to whom it is performed, it may be performed by a licensee obtained for the purpose from a licensed cosmetological establishment; (12) Failure to wear clean outer garments, as prescribed by the committee, to allow the safe and hygienic practice of cosmetology or any branch thereof; (13) Any other unfair or unjust practice, method, or dealing that the committee finds may justify such an action or failure to follow guidelines concerning the use of chemicals or equipment as established by rule of the committee; or (14) Fraud or deception in procuring a license. unless the applicant or licensee can demonstrate to the board's satisfaction that the applicant or licensee has been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust;

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-201 Creation — Members.

(a) There is created the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee. (b)(1) The committee shall consist of eleven (11) members appointed by the State Board of Health to two-year terms. (2) A member may be removed from the committee by the board for cause. (3) A member shall not serve more than ten (10) years on the committee. (c) The committee shall be composed of the following representatives from within the cosmetology industry who are at least twenty-five (25) years of age: (1) One (1) member shall be a licensed cosmetologist actively engaged in practicing the art of cosmetology for at least five (5) years at the time of appointment; (2) One (1) member shall be a licensed nail technician; (3) One (1) member shall be an owner of a licensed school of cosmetology or shall be a director of cosmetology at a state-supported school; (4) One (1) member shall be a licensed aesthetician; (5) Three (3) members shall represent the cosmetology industry at large or a related field; (6) One (1) member shall be a licensed permanent cosmetic artist actively engaged in the practice of permanent cosmetics for a minimum of five (5) years in the State of Arkansas at the time of the appointment; (7) One (1) member shall represent the body art industry; (8) One (1) member shall be a licensed tattoo artist actively engaged in the practice of tattooing for a minimum of five (5) years in the State of Arkansas at the time of the appointment; (9) One (1) member shall be a licensed piercing artist actively engaged in the practice of piercing for a minimum of five (5) years in the State of Arkansas at the time of the appointment. (d)(1) A member of the committee shall not be directly or indirectly connected with the wholesale business of the manufacture, rental, sale, or distribution of cosmetological appliances or supplies. (2) A member of the committee shall not have a contract or a pending bid for a contract with the Department of Health concerning cosmetology. (e) Only two (2) members of the committee may be appointed from any one (1) congressional district. (f) Vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. (g) Before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, each member shall make and file with the Secretary of State the oath of office prescribed by Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 20. (h) Each member of the committee may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. (i) The board shall promulgate by rule the duties and powers of the committee.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-204 Inspectors and professional employees.

The Department of Health may employ inspectors and professional employees and fix their compensation, which compensation and all reasonable expenses incurred shall be paid from the Public Health Fund from fees generated by the program.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-205 Powers and duties.

(a) In addition to the other duties set forth in this chapter, the Department of Health shall: (1) Prescribe the duties of the department's employees; (2) Hold examinations as to the qualifications of all applicants for registration whose applications have been submitted to it in proper form, unless otherwise provided; (3) Issue permits and licenses to the applicants who are entitled thereto; (4) Register cosmetological establishments and schools of cosmetology; (5) Implement the State Board of Health's rules: (A) For carrying out the provisions of this chapter; (B) For conducting examinations of applicants for licensing; (C) For governing the recognition and the credits to be given to the study of cosmetology or any of its branches, under a cosmetologist or in a school of cosmetology, licensed under the laws of another state; and (D) For governing health and safety, as it considers necessary, in regard to the precautions to be employed to prevent the creating or spreading of infections or contagious diseases in cosmetological establishments, in schools of cosmetology, and in the practice of a cosmetologist and in any branch of cosmetology, provided the rules meet the minimum requirements of the law. A copy of all rules governing health and safety shall be made available to each licensee. The rules adopted under this subsection shall have the force and effect of law; and (6) Develop rules to establish and implement the domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training required under § 17-26-419. (b) In addition to the powers conveyed upon the department by this chapter, the department may enforce the provisions of this chapter or any reasonable rule adopted by the board through injunctive process. (c) The department may incur reasonable expenses and perform such other acts as may be necessary to carry out its duties and functions and to administer this chapter. (d)(1) The department shall promulgate rules setting a standard educational curriculum for schools of cosmetology. (2) The standard educational curriculum shall distinguish between secondary and postsecondary educational requirements for the schools of cosmetology.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-206 Examinations.

A school of cosmetology shall administer the practical licensing examination approved by the Department of Health for eligible candidates.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-207 Registration record.

The Department of Health shall keep a registration record containing the names, known places of business, and the date and number of the license of every licensed cosmetologist and of those engaged in the practice of any branch of cosmetology, together with the names and addresses of all cosmetological establishments and schools of cosmetology registered under this chapter. This record shall also contain such facts as the applicants may have stated in their applications for examination for permitting and licensing.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-208 Investigations, hearings, or inspections.

(a) The Department of Health shall conduct investigations and inspections as promulgated by rule. (b)(1) Hearings conducted by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee may be held bimonthly for review of cases for which disciplinary action may be required. (2)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section, a hearing attended by two (2) or more members of the committee is a meeting. (B) A final order shall not be imposed by fewer than three (3) members. (C) A final order imposed by the committee may be appealed to the State Board of Health within thirty (30) days of its receipt.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-209 Fees — Method of payment.

(a) The State Board of Health shall promulgate a fee schedule by rule and collect fees accordingly. (b) In addition to any other method of payment acceptable to the Department of Health, the department shall accept personal or business checks drawn on deposit accounts in financial institutions as payment for fees collected by the department.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-210 Disposition of funds.

(a) All fees, fines, and penalties collected under this chapter and on behalf of the State Board of Health and all receipts of every kind and nature collected under this chapter shall be paid into the State Treasury and shall be credited to the Public Health Fund. (b)(1) The fees, fines, penalties, and receipts shall be for the general uses of the Department of Health. (2) Salaries and other expenses necessarily incurred in carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter and other programs administered by the Department of Health shall be paid from the fees, fines, penalties, and receipts. (c) Expenditures shall be substantiated by vouchers and itemized statements at the end of each fiscal year or at any other time when demand therefor is made by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-302 Application for examination and license.

(a) Each application for the written examination shall be accompanied by the required fee, and shall contain proof of the qualifications of the applicant for registration and licensing. (b) The application shall be verified by the oath of the applicant.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-303 Examinations generally.

(a) The examination of applicants for a license in any of the branches or practices of cosmetology shall include both a practical demonstration and written test and shall embrace the subjects concerning the particular branch or branches, practice, or practices for which a license is applied. (b) The examination shall not be confined to any special system or method. (c) The examination shall be consistent in both practical and technical requirements and of sufficient thoroughness to satisfy the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee as to the applicant's skill in and knowledge of the practice of the occupation or occupations for which a license is sought.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-304 Prerequisites to examination for cosmetologist, manicurist, aesthetician, or instructor.

The Department of Health shall admit to examination for a license as a cosmetologist, manicurist, aesthetician, or instructor a person who has made application to the department in proper form, has paid the fee required, and who: (1) Is not less than sixteen (16) years of age; (2) Has completed two (2) years of high school in the public schools of this state or its equivalent; and (3) Has completed one (1) of the following: (A) For a cosmetologist, training of at least one thousand two hundred (1,200) hours; (B) For a manicurist, training of at least four hundred eighty (480) hours; (C) For an aesthetician, training of at least four hundred eighty (480) hours; (D) For an instructor, training of at least four hundred eighty (480) hours; or (E) The prescribed course of study in cosmetology under the laws of another state whose licensing requirements are equal to or stricter than those in Arkansas.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-306 Electrologists — Prerequisites to examination.

The Department of Health shall admit to examination for a license as an electrologist a person who has made application to the department in proper form, has paid the fee required, and who: (1) Is not less than eighteen (18) years of age; (2) Has completed the twelfth grade at an accredited senior high school in the public schools of this state or its equivalent; and (3) Has completed one (1) of the following: (A) A course of three hundred fifty (350) hours of practical training as a student in conjunction with a course of one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours in cosmetology or for a licensed cosmetologist; (B) A course of six hundred (600) hours of practical training as a student, when not in conjunction with a regular course in cosmetology or for a licensed cosmetologist, extending over a period of not less than four (4) months under the immediate supervision of a licensed electrologist instructor in a school of cosmetology; (C) The prescribed course of study in electrology under the laws of another state whose licensing requirements are equal to or stricter than those in Arkansas; or (D) Training and practice in electrology for a period as shall be specified by rules of the State Board of Health.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-307 Electrology instructors — Prerequisites to examination.

The Department of Health shall admit to examination for license as an electrology instructor any person who has made application to the department in proper form, has paid the fee required, and who: (1) Is not less than twenty-one (21) years of age; (2) Holds a valid Arkansas license as an electrologist; and (3) Has had three (3) years of practical experience as an electrologist in the State of Arkansas within the past five (5) years.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-309 Examination for cosmetologists and all branches of cosmetology.

Examinations for license as cosmetologists and all other branches of cosmetology shall include a written core and law test and a practical test that embrace all phases of cosmetology as deemed necessary by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-310 Failure to appear for examination.

The Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee shall promulgate rules concerning an applicant for an examination who fails to appear for the examination.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-311 Eligibility for reexamination.

Anyone failing to pass an examination shall be permitted upon application to take another examination.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-312 Issuance of license.

(a) Persons who pass any examination under this chapter shall receive a license from the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee. (b) This license, except for renewal fees, entitles the holder to engage in the practice of the specified branch of cosmetology upon the public in a licensed cosmetological establishment, except as provided in § 17-26-102(3)(B).

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-314 Specificity of permit or license.

Every permit or license issued by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee shall specify the occupation or occupations that the permit and license entitle the holder to practice.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-315 Reciprocity.

Upon application to the Department of Health in the form provided for the particular class of license applied for, accompanied by the required fee, a person licensed as a cosmetologist, electrologist, manicurist, aesthetician, or instructor under the laws of another state shall be granted a license to practice the occupation or occupations in this state not of greater scope than the occupation or occupations for which the applicant was previously licensed in the other state, upon the following conditions: (1) That the applicant for a license as a cosmetologist, manicurist, or aesthetician is not less than eighteen (18) years of age, and the applicant for a license as an instructor or electrologist is not less than twenty-one (21) years of age; (2) That the applicant holds a current valid license upon application for reciprocity, evidenced by a certified copy of the license and an affidavit from the other state or by such other evidence as the department may require; (3) That the applicant has passed an examination comparable to the examination given in this state; and (4) That the applicant passes an Arkansas law examination under this chapter.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-316 Display of license.

(a) Every licensee shall: (1) Display his or her license in a conspicuous place in his or her principal office, place of business, place of employment, or mobile salon; or (2) Wear the license on his or her person while practicing cosmetology. (b) A license may contain a photograph of the licensee.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-317 Notice of address change.

(a)(1) Every registered cosmetologist manager-operator, cosmetologist, electrologist, manicurist, or aesthetician, unless operating a mobile salon as defined under § 17-26-102, within thirty (30) days after changing the address of his or her place of business as designated on the books of the Department of Health, shall notify the department of his or her new place of business. (2) Upon receipt of the notification, the department shall make the necessary changes on its books. (b) A person licensed by the department to operate a mobile salon shall notify the department of the address where the mobile salon usually remains.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-318 Duplicate license.

A duplicate license shall be issued upon the filing of a statement explaining the loss of the license, verified by the oath of the applicant, and accompanied by the fee prescribed in § 17-26-209 . Each duplicate license shall have the word “DUPLICATE” stamped across its face and bear the same date and show the number of the original license.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-319 Expiration, renewal, and reinstatement.

(a) Licenses of cosmetologists, instructors, electrologists, aestheticians, and manicurists shall expire on the licensee's birthday on a biennial basis. (b) Licenses of schools and establishments shall expire in one (1) of the following ways at the choice of the school or establishment owner: (1) Annually on December 31; (2) Biennially on December 31; or (3) Biennially on the owner's birthday in conjunction with the individual license. (c) Application for license renewals shall be filed and the fee paid not later than thirty (30) days following the expiration date established in subsection (a) of this section. (d) A licensee whose license has lapsed for failure to renew and who is or was under the direct supervision of a physician for an extended or long-term condition may request from the Department of Health a waiver of the reinstatement fee. (e) After five (5) years from the date of its expiration, a license may be reinstated upon the filing of an application as the department may prescribe, the payment of the examination fee, and the passing of the examination required by the department. (f) The department is authorized and directed to renew, upon application and the payment of the necessary fees, the license of a cosmetologist, manicurist, aesthetician, instructor, or electrologist who is also a veteran of war who possessed the license but permitted it to lapse. The renewal license shall be issued without the applicant's being required to submit to any examination or to meet any additional schooling requirements. (g)(1) A licensee who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older and has been actively engaged in the practice or teaching of cosmetology for twenty (20) or more years may apply for a lifetime license. (2) The fee for a lifetime license shall be established by rule of the department. (3) The receipt of a lifetime license shall not exempt a licensee from: (A) Complying with any applicable law or rule; and (B) Receiving a penalty for failing to comply with an applicable law or rule.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-321 Reissuance and reinstatement.

For good cause shown and under such reasonable rules as may be imposed, the Department of Health may reissue or reinstate the license of any person whose license has been previously revoked.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-324 Registered hairstylist.

(a) The Department of Health: (1) Shall develop a registration application process for a registered hairstylist; (2) May charge each registrant a fee of not more than ten dollars ($10.00) to cover the department’s costs of maintaining the registration; and (3) Shall not require registrants to provide proof of training at a school of cosmetology. (b) This section shall not be construed to: (1) Exempt registered hairstylist from the requirements of a general business license or any laws relating to the payment of taxes; or (2) Prohibit private certification of any provider.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-401 License requirements.

(a) No person, firm, or corporation shall conduct or operate a cosmetological establishment, school of cosmetology, beauty parlor, or any other place of business in which any one (1) or any combination of the occupations of a cosmetologist are taught or practiced, except the branch of manicuring as practiced in a barbershop, until licensed under the provisions of this chapter and complying with the provisions of this chapter relating to sanitation. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to employ or to allow to be employed any person not licensed by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee in or about a cosmetological establishment as a cosmetologist manager-operator, or as a manicurist, or as an electrologist, or as an aesthetician.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-402 Cosmetological establishments — License.

(a) A person, firm, or corporation desiring to operate a cosmetological establishment shall make an application to the Department of Health for a license. (b) The application shall be accompanied by the required licensing fee.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-403 School of cosmetology — Application to operate — License.

(a) Schools of cosmetology shall be conducted as provided in this subchapter. (b)(1) A person, firm, or corporation desiring to conduct a school of cosmetology shall apply to the Department of Health for approval. (2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall not be required to apply to the department for approval. (3)(A) When an application is made after January 1, the portion of the registration fee that the unexpired number of months in the year bears to the entire year, including the month the application is made, shall be paid to the department. (B) In such a case the department shall issue a license for the fractional part of the year. (c) The license authorizes the school of cosmetology holding it to transact operations in this state during the year or fraction thereof for which it is issued subject to the rules of the department. (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorization or permission to conduct a school of cosmetology without a valid, existing, and unexpired license. (e) A license issued by the department shall designate on the written license whether the school of cosmetology is licensed as: (1) A school of cosmetology; or (2) A postsecondary school of cosmetology.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-404 Licensing requirements — Expiration — Renewal.

(a) Licensing for cosmetological establishments and schools of cosmetology expires pursuant to § 17-26-319(b). (b) An application for renewal of a license shall be filed with the Department of Health, accompanied by the required renewal fee. (c) Thereupon, the department shall renew the license for the appropriate time period. (d) A license that has expired for failure of the registrant to renew within the time fixed by this section may for a period of one (1) year thereafter be renewed upon the filing of an application in such form as the department may require and upon payment of the required renewal fee and the delinquency fee. (e) After one (1) year from the date of its expiration, a certificate may not be renewed, and the establishment or school may again become entitled to a license only upon compliance with all of the provisions of this chapter relating to the original issuance of a license.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-405 Facilities — Prohibition on use.

(a) No person having charge of a cosmetological establishment or school of cosmetology, whether as an owner or an employee, shall permit any room or part thereof in which any of the branches or practices of cosmetology are conducted, practiced, or taught to be used for sleeping, for residential purposes, or for any other purpose that would tend to make the room unsanitary. (b) A cosmetological establishment shall have a direct entrance separate and distinct from any entrance in connection with private quarters.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-406 Refusal or cancellation of school license — Causes.

(a) A school shall not be licensed until the Department of Health has had ample opportunity to verify sworn statements as to the actual ownership. In this respect, if false statements are submitted to the department in connection with a license application, this in itself shall constitute sufficient grounds for the refusal to grant any application under this subchapter. If an application is granted and thereafter the department discovers that false statements were made in connection therewith, this shall constitute sufficient grounds for the cancellation of the school license even though the false statements are detected after a license has been issued. (b)(1) The department may deny a school license to any applicant or licensee upon reasonable evidence that the school or its officials would jeopardize the health and safety of the public. (2) A school license shall not be issued until the real owner files with the department a statement definitely designating who is authorized to accept service of notice from the department and to transact all business negotiations on behalf of the school, including answers to citations for hearing and compliance with rulings issued by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-407 Inspection of school facilities.

(a) Before any school license under this subchapter shall be finally granted, a second inspection shall be made after the equipment has been installed and before the school is permitted to begin operation. (b) An applicant shall not be granted a license to operate a school unless the Department of Health finds that sufficient equipment has been installed for the requirements of enrolling a minimum of not fewer than twenty-five (25) bona fide students and that not fewer than twenty-five (25) bona fide full-time student registration requests have been received in the case of any new school. (c) New schools of cosmetology shall be required to contain not less than two thousand five hundred square feet (2,500 sq. ft.) of floor space in the working area.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-408 Duties of school.

Each school shall: (1) Possess sufficient apparatus and equipment necessary for the ready and full teaching of all the subjects or practices of cosmetology; (2) Maintain licensed instructors competent to impart instruction in all branches or practices of cosmetology; (3) Keep a daily record of the attendance of each student and the time devoted by each student to the various practices or branches of cosmetology and electrology; (4) Establish grades and hold examinations before issuing diplomas; and (5) Fix its tuition at an amount that will enable it to furnish without further charge to the student all cosmetics, materials, and supplies used on the public and in classes. This does not include books and instruments as shall be determined from time to time by the Department of Health.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-409 School supervisor.

Every school shall at all times be in charge of and under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist manager-operator who has had at least a total of three (3) years of practical experience in the practice or teaching of all of the branches of cosmetology, except the branch of electrology, in a licensed cosmetological establishment or a licensed school of cosmetology and who holds an instructor's license.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-410 Instructor qualifications.

(a)(1)(A) A person employed in a school to instruct students in the school shall be licensed as an instructor in the field in which he or she specializes. (B) A licensed instructor in good standing is not required to renew his or her specialty license. (2) A licensed instructor shall: (A) Be twenty-one (21) years of age or older and have had six hundred (600) hours of teacher training in a school of cosmetology; (B) Have passed an instructor's written examination given by the Department of Health, a practical examination administered by the school, and have received an instructor's license; and (C) Have received not less than eight (8) hours of additional training in an instructor's training seminar or continuing education course certified by the department. (b) A licensed instructor shall not teach outside the profession in which the license to practice allows. (c) A cosmetology school shall offer an education in cosmetology regardless of whether the curriculum includes a specialty course.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-411 Instructors — Duties — Number.

(a) All instructors shall be continuously engaged in teaching students in theoretical or practical work. Except when instructing a student, an instructor may not practice upon a client, and any instructor who does so is subject to disciplinary action by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee. (b) The State Board of Health shall promulgate reasonable rules concerning the number of instructors necessary to properly conduct a school of cosmetology.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-412 School term — Cosmetology curriculum.

(a) Each school shall maintain a school term of not less than one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours, instruction of which shall not be in excess of ten (10) hours per day and six (6) days per week during the course. The school shall maintain a course of practical training and technical instruction equal to the requirements for examination for a license as a cosmetologist. (b) It shall so arrange the courses devoted to each branch or practice of cosmetology as the Department of Health may from time to time adopt as the course to be followed by the schools. (c) The curriculum described in this section may be completed through supervisory learning a in classroom, online, or on a distance education platform for up to fifty percent (50%) of the student's training program as authorized by the United States Department of Education as existed on January 1, 2021.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-413 Electrology course.

(a)(1) An electrology course established by a school of cosmetology shall consist of three hundred fifty (350) hours or six hundred (600) hours of practical training and technical instruction that shall extend over a period of not less than two (2) months for a three-hundred-fifty-hour course and four (4) months for a six-hundred-hour course. (2) In no event shall the training extend over a period of more than six (6) months from the date of initial enrollment. (b) The course shall be in accordance with a curriculum established by the Department of Health.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-414 Special programs.

(a) Instruction shall not exceed ten (10) hours per day and six (6) days per week during the program. (b) When a student completes the required number of hours for a special program and reenrolls for a cosmetology program or when a student transfers from a special program to a cosmetology program before completion of the special program, he or she shall be given credit for the number of hours spent in connection with the special program, but not to exceed the maximum hours required thereof, toward the satisfaction of the time required for the cosmetology program as determined by rules of the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-415 Student registration — Reregistration on transfer.

(a)(1) All students of cosmetology, manicuring, electrology, aesthetics, and instructor training shall be registered with the Department of Health before accredited hours can be obtained. (2) The enrollment application shall be accompanied by a copy of a method of identification containing a photograph of the applicant. (3) A student shall not earn hours before the date in which the department has issued a student permit. (b) A student who has completed the registration process and whose information is on file with the department shall complete a reenrollment form without submitting additional documents other than the student permit fee and a method of identification containing a photograph of the student.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-417 Student work.

(a) In each licensed school of cosmetology: (1) A student for a license as a cosmetologist, after one hundred fifty (150) hours of instruction, may engage, in the school as a student, in work connected with any branch or any combination of the branches of cosmetology taught in the school upon a client who is paying for service or materials; (2) A student for a license as a manicurist, after sixty (60) hours of instruction, may engage, in the school as a student, in work connected with manicuring taught in the school upon a client who is paying for service or materials; (3) A student for a license as an aesthetician, after sixty (60) hours of instruction, may engage, in the school as a student, in work connected with aesthetics taught in the school upon a client who is paying for service or materials; and (4) A student for a license as an electrologist, after sixty (60) hours of instruction, may engage, in the school as a student, in work connected with electrology taught in the school upon a client who is paying for service or materials. (b) A student may not engage in any work upon a client who is paying for service or materials until he or she has had the required number of hours of instruction. (c) A school shall not advertise student work to the public through any medium unless the work is designated as student work. (d)(1) A school may allow a student to volunteer in charity or special events held outside the school if the following conditions are met: (A) The student agrees to participate; (B) The student is accompanied by and acts under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor; and (C) The school maintains the required student-to-teacher ratios. (2) Documentation shall be maintained in the student's school file outlining the date, name, and location of the event and the number of hours volunteered. (e)(1) A student providing services under this section shall apply for a student permit from the Department of Health. (2) The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules concerning the issuance of student permits. (3) A student permit shall contain a photograph of the student. (4) The student permit shall be: (A) Maintained by the owner of the school attended by the student during the student's enrollment; and (B) Returned to the department along with a copy of the student's Certificate of Training upon the conclusion of the student's enrollment in the school.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-418 Cosmetology courses in public schools.

(a)(1) All public educational institutions operating cosmetological schools shall comply with the standards and rules promulgated by the State Board of Health. (2)(A) However, the responsibility for approval of cosmetological schools in public educational institutions shall be the sole responsibility of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (B) In approving a cosmetological school in a public educational institution, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall use the same application process and requirements as the State Board of Health uses for approval of all other cosmetological schools. (b) Such schools shall not be required to obtain a license as prescribed in this chapter. (c) Each person who successfully completes the courses in cosmetology given in a school under the public school system of this state is eligible for a license under this chapter the same as though he or she had graduated from a licensed private school of cosmetology approved by the State Board of Health. For this purpose, successful completion of courses in cosmetology given in public schools equal to and the equivalent of the courses required to be given in licensed private schools of cosmetology approved by the State Board of Health shall be deemed to be the fulfillment of the requirements of this chapter in regard to completion of courses in licensed schools of cosmetology approved by the State Board of Health.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-419 Domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training.

(a) A cosmetological school or establishment under this subchapter shall establish a domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training course. (b)(1) A student enrolled in a cosmetological school or establishment shall complete a one-hour course in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training as a part of his or her required training hours under § 17-26-304 in order to be eligible for an examination. (2) A student under this chapter who is trained in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness shall not be civilly or criminally liable for acting in good faith or failing to act on information obtained during the course of employment concerning potential domestic violence or sexual assault. (c)(1) The training course under this section shall be approved by the Department of Health and provided by an instructor, school, institution, or other organization approved by the department. (2) The department shall establish by rule a means for the verification of completion of the training course by the student.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-420 Mobile salons.

(a)(1) Beginning September 1, 2017, the Department of Health may issue a license for the operation of a mobile salon to an applicant who submits an application on a form approved by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee, pays required fees as determined by the department with the advice of the committee, and is in compliance with this chapter. (2) Requirements that apply to a cosmetological establishment under this chapter shall apply to mobile salons, except to the extent that the requirements conflict with rules adopted by the department under subdivision (b)(1) of this section. (b)(1) By September 1, 2017, the department shall adopt rules to implement this section. (2) The rules as described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the establishment of minimum specifications for the facilities, technical equipment, environment, supplies, personnel, operation, ownership, and procedures for mobile salons.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-501 Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Natural Hair Braiding Protection Act”.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-502 Legislative findings.

The General Assembly finds that: (1) Natural hair braiding is a traditional practice that is safe; (2) Natural hair braiding presents no significant health and safety risks to customers or practitioners; (3) Occupational regulation harms consumers by limiting their choices or by forcing consumers to forgo braiding services or enter the underground economy; (4) Occupational regulation and occupational licenses cause unnecessary difficulties for natural hair braiders to earn an honest living through their practice, to provide for themselves and their families, to offer their services to and compete for customers, and to create new employment and business opportunities through their entrepreneurialism; and (5) It is the public policy of this state to protect economic liberty.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-503 Definitions.

As used in this subchapter: (1) “Mechanical device” means clips, combs, curlers, curling irons, hairpins, rollers, scissors, needles, thread, and hair binders; and (2)(A) “Natural hair braiding” means a service of twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair by hand or with a mechanical device that includes without limitation: (i) The use of natural or synthetic hair extensions, natural or synthetic hair fibers, decorative beads, and other hair accessories; (ii) The minor trimming of natural hair or hair extensions incidental to twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding hair; (iii) The use of topical agents such as conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils, pomades, and shampoos; and (iv) The making of wigs from natural hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions. (B) Natural hair braiding does not include: (i) The application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparations to alter the color of the hair or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair; (ii) The use of chemical hair joining agents such as synthetic tape, keratin bonds, or fusion bonds; or (iii) Embellishing or beautifying hair by cutting or singeing except as needed in the braiding process. (C) Natural hair braiding is commonly known as “African-style hair braiding” but is not limited to any particular cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious form of hairstyle.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-504 Exemption.

The practice of natural hair braiding, except as provided by this subchapter, is exempt from regulation under this chapter and is exempt from the authority of the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee, the State Board of Health, and the Department of Health.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-505 Application of certification requirements.

(a) A person who has practiced natural hair braiding for two (2) consecutive years as of December 31, 2015, shall be granted a natural hair braiding certificate if he or she completes and files the following on or before December 31, 2015: (1) An application for certification; (2) Payment of the registration fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) every two (2) years; (3) An affidavit signed by the applicant attesting that he or she has practiced hair braiding for two (2) consecutive years; and (4) An affidavit signed by an employer or customer of the applicant attesting that he or she has witnessed the applicant practicing natural hair braiding in the past two (2) years. (b)(1) Except as provided under subsection (a) of this section, an applicant for natural hair braiding certification asserting reciprocity with another state shall: (A) Provide a certificate, a license, or a registration from another state that shows that he or she was legally practicing natural hair styling, braiding, or natural hair cultivation in that state; (B) Pass a written examination approved by the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee; (C) Submit an application for certification; and (D) Pay a registration fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) every two (2) years. (2) Except as provided under subsection (a) of this section, an applicant for natural hair braiding certification who is not asserting reciprocity with another state shall: (A) Provide proof of completion of an eighty-hour health and safety course approved by the committee; (B) Provide proof of completion of a forty-hour scalp care course approved by the committee; (C) Pass a written examination approved and administered by the committee on health, safety, scalp care, and this subchapter; (D) Submit an application for certification; and (E) Pay a registration fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) every two (2) years. (c) An individual may engage in natural hair braiding and operate an establishment where only natural hair braiding is practiced without obtaining natural hair braiding certification.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-602 Unlawful to perform body art on person under 18 years of age — Documentation and consent.

(a)(1) A person under eighteen (18) years of age shall not undergo body art unless: (A) Written consent is given by the person's parent or legal guardian; (B) The parent or legal guardian is present during the procedure; (C) The person to undergo body art and the parent or legal guardian each provide a valid government-issued form of identification that includes a name, date of birth, and photo; and (D) The parent or legal guardian presents proof of guardianship that matches the identification given, including without limitation a birth certificate or a court or state record for adoption, legal guardianship, emancipation, or a marriage license. (2) The artist shall retain for at least two (2) years a copy of a photo identification and a proof of guardianship presented under subdivision (a)(1) of this section. (b) A person shall not perform body art on a person under sixteen (16) years of age, regardless of parental consent, except when piercing the earlobe. (c) It is unlawful for a person to perform body art on the areola or genitalia of a person under eighteen (18) years of age regardless of parental consent. (d) It is unlawful to perform branding on a person under eighteen (18) years of age regardless of parental consent. (e) Regardless of age, the person receiving the body art shall attest to the fact that he or she is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (f) Printed and verbal instructions on the care of the skin and the body art shall be given to each person after the procedure, and a copy of the instructions shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the body art establishment. (g)(1)(A) In addition to the attestations required in subsections (a) and (e) of this section, records shall be kept of all persons receiving body art and of the parents or guardians giving consent under the rules promulgated by the State Board of Health to implement this subchapter. (B) If the person to undergo body art is under eighteen (18) years of age, the record shall include the printed legal name and signature of the parent or legal guardian. (2) All records shall be retained for at least two (2) years from the last date recorded in the bound book. (3) All required signatures shall be in ink, and required records shall be available at a reasonable time for examination by the Department of Health and by local health officials. (h)(1) Except as provided in subsections (a)-(c) of this section, it is unlawful to perform body art on a person under eighteen (18) years of age, and any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a violation of this subdivision (h)(1) is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (2) Any person who falsely claims to be the minor's parent or legal guardian for the purpose of obtaining body art for a person under eighteen (18) years of age shall be guilty of a Class D felony. (3) It is not a defense to a criminal prosecution under subdivision (h)(1) of this section that at the time of the offense the person who received the body art possessed a letter of consent from the person's parent or legal guardian if the letter was forged or if a person falsely assumed the identity of the minor's parent or legal guardian. (i)(1) It is unlawful to perform body art in any unlicensed facility. (2) A person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a violation of subdivision (i)(1) of this section is guilty of a Class D felony. (3) A fine collected under this section, less court fees, shall be allocated as follows: (A) Fifty percent (50%) to the State of Arkansas; (B) Twenty-five percent (25%) to the city or county that levied and collected the fine; and (C) Twenty-five percent (25%) to be deposited into the State Treasury, credited to the Public Health Fund, and used exclusively for the Body Art Program of the department. (j) A person under eighteen (18) years of age may undergo a permanent cosmetics procedure due to a medical necessity if he or she is given medical consent from a physician in addition to parental consent.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-603 Department of Health to license, regulate, and inspect for health hazards.

(a)(1) Body art establishments in which body art is performed and artists who perform body art shall be licensed by the Department of Health. (2) An institution shall be licensed by the department as an establishment and as an approved body art training institution. (3) An artist from a state other than Arkansas or a country outside of the United States who holds a license from the body art regulatory board or agency in that state or country may submit an application for qualifications review by the department to determine eligibility for a body art license based upon criteria established by the department. (4) The business premises, equipment, procedures, and conditions of those businesses shall be subject to at least one (1) inspection by the department annually. (b)(1) The department may adopt appropriate rules regarding the artists, premises, equipment, procedures, and conditions of establishments which perform procedures subject to this subchapter to assure that the premises, equipment, procedures, and conditions are aseptic and do not constitute a health hazard. (2) Any rule affecting body art establishments shall remain in effect until the State Board of Health adopts rules under this subchapter. (c) Applicants for a license shall file applications upon forms prescribed by the department. (d) A license shall be issued only for the premises and persons in the application and shall not be transferable. (e)(1)(A) The department shall levy and collect an annual fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per establishment for issuance of a license to an establishment in which body art is performed. (B) The department shall levy and collect an annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100) per artist for issuance of a license to an artist who performs body art. (2)(A) The department shall collect a one-time fee of two hundred dollars ($200) per artist licensed in a state other than Arkansas or a country other than the United States who applies for qualifications review by the department. (B) The fee for written and practical examinations under § 17-26-608 is not required for an applicant under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section for examinations taken to complete requirements established by the department. (C) Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements by the applicant and approval of qualifications established by the department, a body artist license shall be issued to an applicant under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section. (D) The department shall collect the annual artist fee of one hundred dollars ($100) after the issuance of a license under subdivision (e)(2)(C) of this section. (3) The annual fee for an artist or for an establishment shall be based upon the calendar year, January 1 through December 31, with fees for any given year due by December 31 of the previous year. (4) If the annual fee for a licensed establishment has not been paid by March 1 of the calendar year, the establishment shall be closed until a new license has been issued by the department and the annual fee has been paid. (5)(A) If the annual fee for a licensed artist has not been paid by March 1 of the calendar year, the artist shall have his or her license suspended for ninety (90) days. (B) If an artist has his or her license suspended, he or she shall before a license may be reissued within ninety (90) days after the suspension: (i) Pay a reinstatement fee of one hundred dollars ($100) and pay all overdue licensing fees; (ii) Complete a written exam with the department and a practical exam in the studio in which the artist is licensed; and (iii) Meet current requirements established by the department for artists. (C) If an artist whose license is suspended has not met the requirements under subdivision (e)(5)(B) of this section within ninety (90) days after the suspension, the artist may apply for qualification review. (6) In addition to the penalty provisions found in this subsection, any studio or business owner operating without a current license commits a Class D felony. (f) All fees levied and collected under this subchapter are declared to be special revenues and shall be deposited into the State Treasury, there to be credited to the Public Health Fund to be used exclusively for the Body Art Program of the department. (g) Subject to any rules that may be implemented by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the disbursing officer for the department may transfer all unexpended funds relative to the health facility services that pertain to fees collected under this subchapter, as certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, to be carried forward and made available for expenditures for the same purpose for any following fiscal year.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-604 Local health officials.

(a) Any city or county department of health may periodically inspect body art establishments on the basis of compliance with state, city, or county sanitary regulations. (b) The governing body of any municipality or county may adopt by ordinance local sanitary regulations of body art establishments.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-606 Blood-borne pathogens course.

(a)(1) Each artist, artist instructor, and student artist shall complete United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogens training approved by the Department of Health. (2) An approved online course may be used to satisfy the requirement under subdivision (a)(1) of this section. (b) Each artist instructor shall complete the course before training any student artist . (c) Each student artist shall complete the course before applying for the examination required under § 17-26-608. (d)(1) After completion of a first United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogens training approved by the department, an artist, an artist instructor, and a student artist shall renew the training annually. (2) A copy of each annual certification under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall be submitted to the department with the license renewal.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-607 Education of student artist .

(a) An artist instructor shall be a registered instructor in institution licensed by the Department of Health. (b) The maximum number of student artists in training in a training facility at any time shall be at a ratio of no more than eight (8) students to one (1) artist instructor per instruction hour . (c)(1)(A)(i) During the student artist training in the fields of t body art, each student artist shall complete not less than four hundred (400) clock hours of supervised body art work and classroom instruction in a period not less than six (6) months or more than twenty-four (24) months in an establishment licensed under § 17-26-603 and § 6-51-601 et seq. (ii) The hours required under subdivision (c)(1)(A)(i) shall include no more than twenty percent (20%) to be unsupervised online instruction hours and eighty percent (80%) in person practical instruction hours. (B) During the student artist training in the field of branding, each student artist shall complete not less than three hundred seventy-five (375) clock hours of supervised body art work and classroom instruction in a period not less than six (6) months or more than twenty-four (24) months in an establishment licensed under § 17-26-603 and § 6-51-601 et seq. (C) A licensed artist wanting to study additional fields of body art training may be added by completing not less than two hundred fifty (250) clock hours of technical and procedural training in each of the other fields of body art in which a student artist is to be licensed in no less than an additional four (4) months after completion and licensure for the initial field of study. (D)(i) A student artist studying multiple fields of body art at the same time shall complete the total clock hours in each specific field in not less than ten (10) months for two fields of study and not less than twelve (12) months for three or more fields of study . (ii) A student artist may receive the initial licensure for the first field of study after the first six (6) months, provided the student artist has completed the required hours of supervised body art work and classroom instruction, and the remaining licensure of the additional fields of study upon completion of the requirements in this section. (2)(A) The artist instructor shall maintain a training log of the clock hours completed by the student artist on forms approved by the department. (B) The training log shall include without limitation a record of: (i) Hours of both theory and practical education; (ii) The procedures observed and completed; and (iii) A list of resources used for training. (C) The student artist shall keep available for inspection a bound record book that is separate from the record book of another artist or student artist . (D) The completed training log shall be submitted to the department at the time of the practical examination under § 17-26-608. (d) An artist instructor may offer training only in the area in which the artist instructor holds a current license from the department. (e) The department shall adopt a minimum curriculum for each area of body art training that shall be followed by all artist instructors, student artists , and body art training facilities.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-608 Examination — Fee.

(a)(1)(A) Each artist in training seeking licensure as an artist under the rules of the Department of Health shall take a written examination prepared or approved by the department upon completion of training. (B) Upon completion of the hours required under § 17-26-607, a practical examination shall be conducted by the department in each field of training for which the artist in training is seeking licensure. (2) Until an artist in training receives a passing grade on the practical examination, no artist in training may: (A) Be licensed as an artist; (B) Hold himself or herself out as a licensed artist; or (C) Independently perform a body art procedure without the supervision of a body art trainer. (b) The department shall levy and collect a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) from each artist in training who applies to take the written and practical examinations required under this section for licensure as an artist. (c) A fee collected under this section shall be deposited into the State Treasury, credited to the Public Health Fund, and used exclusively for the Body Art Program of the department.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-609 Temporary demonstration license.

(a) The Department of Health may issue a temporary demonstration license to an artist or establishment or to a supplier of materials for body art for: (1) Educational purposes where body art is performed; (2) Trade shows where body art is performed; (3) Demonstrations of body art products or procedures; and (4) An appearance as a guest artist. (b) A temporary demonstration license shall be valid for no more than fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days. (c)(1) The host of a body art event for an educational purpose, a trade show, a demonstration, or a combination of an educational purpose, a trade show, and a demonstration of body art procedures where body art is performed shall obtain the necessary permits to conduct business in the jurisdiction in which the event will be held, including without limitation a permit issued by the department. (2) The department shall collect a nonrefundable host fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per artist who performs body art at an event, not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) per event. (3) In addition to the penalties under § 17-26-602, a host who violates this subsection is subject to closure of the temporary body art event and a penalty not to exceed three (3) times the cost of the permit. (d) The department shall levy and collect a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) from a guest artist for a temporary demonstration license. (e)(1) An application for a temporary demonstration license shall be submitted to the department not less than forty-five (45) days before the event for educational purposes, trade show, or demonstration of body art products and procedures where body art is performed. (2) An application for a temporary demonstration license shall be submitted to the department not less than seven (7) days before the appearance of a guest artist. (3) An artist shall provide evidence of completion of United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogens training with the application. (f)(1) A person applying for a temporary demonstration license to appear as a guest artist shall provide documentation of licensure as an artist in another state or country or employment history in a studio licensed by the regulatory board or agency in another state or country before the temporary demonstration license may be granted. (2) The establishment where the guest artist is appearing shall have a licensed body artist on its staff. (3) A guest artist may be issued a temporary demonstration license to appear as a guest artist no more than one (1) time every three (3) months. (g) A fee levied and collected under this section is special revenue and shall be deposited into the State Treasury, to be credited to the Public Health Fund to be used exclusively for the Body Art Program of the department.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-610 Critical items for closure of body art establishment.

(a)(1) The Department of Health shall create and publish a list of critical items for closure of an establishment. (2) The department shall list the prohibitions under § 17-26-611 as critical items for closure. (b)(1) An establishment that violates a critical item from the list established under subsection (a) of this section is subject to immediate closure by the department. (2) An establishment closed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall remain closed until: (A) Fines or penalties, or both, that are assessed under this subchapter have been paid; and (B) Upon inspection by the department, the establishment is no longer in violation of a critical item.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-611 Prohibitions.

(a) Body art is prohibited: (1) On a person who is inebriated or appears to be incapacitated by the use of alcohol or drugs; (2) On a person who shows signs of recent intravenous drug use; (3) On an area with sunburn, open lesions, rashes, or wounds; (4) With the use of a product or ink banned or restricted by the United States Food and Drug Administration; (5) In a procedure area that is not physically and permanently separated from beauty areas with a wall and a door, such as cosmetology, aesthetics, and nail services; and (6) On an animal in a facility licensed for the application of body art on human beings. (b) A piercing gun shall be used only to pierce an earlobe. (c) A person shall not: (1) Perform a piercing with a manually loaded spring-operated piercing device; (2) Pierce an earlobe with a piercing gun that does not use a presterilized encapsulated stud and clasp system; or (3)(A) An artist shall not use jewelry for initial piercing that is not certified by ASTM International or the International Organization for Standardization, or both, as an implant-grade material except for specified types of glass, gold, and niobium as approved by the rules established by the Department of Health. (B) An artist shall maintain on file for inspection a Mill Test Certificate confirming certification by ASTM International or the International Organization for Standardization, or both, for steel and titanium jewelry for initial piercing. (d)(1) A person shall not sell a body piercing needle, tattoo needle, or body art instrument, or a combination of these, including without limitation tattoo ink, barrel, drip, and a tattoo machine to a person within this state who is not licensed as an artist by the department. (2)(A) A violation of subdivision (d)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (B) Each violation of subdivision (d)(1) of this section is a separate offense. (e)(1) Possession of a body piercing needle, tattoo needle, or body art instrument, or a combination of these, including without limitation tattoo ink, barrel, drip, and a tattoo machine by a person within this state who is not licensed as an artist by the department is prohibited. (2)(A) A violation of subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (B) Each violation of subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a separate offense. (f) A fine collected under this section, less court fees, shall be allocated as follows: (1) Fifty percent (50%) to the State of Arkansas; (2) Twenty-five percent (25%) to the city or county that levied and collected the fine; and (3) Twenty-five percent (25%) to be deposited into the State Treasury, credited to the Public Health Fund, and used exclusively for the Body Art Program of the department.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-612 Penalties.

(a) An artist who violates this subchapter or rules adopted by the State Board of Health pertaining to body art commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense. (b) After notice of a violation has been given, each violation of this subchapter constitutes a separate offense unless another penalty is specifically provided in this subchapter.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-613 Prohibited practice.

An artist licensed by the Department of Health shall not perform or attempt to perform the insertion of a subdermal implant.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-701 Definitions.

As used in this subchapter: (1) "Artist" means any person other than a licensed physician who performs permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics on a human and is licensed in this state; (2) “Critical item” means an aspect of operation or condition of a facility or equipment that constitutes the greatest hazard to health and safety, including imminent health hazards; (3) “Establishment” means any place or facility: (A) Where permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics is performed; and (B) That has an artist licensed in Arkansas on staff; (4) “Guest artist” means an artist from a state other than Arkansas or a country other than the United States who: (A) Holds a license from the permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics regulatory board or agency, if in existence, in that state or country; or (B) If an artist license is not available in the guest artist's state or country, can submit to the department evidence of professional experience, employment, and education including: (i) Proof of blood-borne pathogen certification; and (ii) Proof of employment in an establishment for at least two (2) years; (5) "Institution" means an establishment that is owned by an artist and licensed by the department to offer post-secondary education to students in the field of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics; (6) "Paramedical tattooing" means procedures that involve repigmentation, including without limitation: (A) 3D nipple and areola; (B) Scar camouflaging; (C) Scalp micropigmentation; (D) Microblading; (E) Makeup application; and (F) Pigment lightening; (7) “Permanent cosmetics” means the application of pigment placed in the skin by needle or other instruments to beautify the body including without limitation: (A) Permanent eyebrows; (B) Permanent eyeliner; and (C) Permanent lip liner or color; (8) “Repigmentation” means recoloration of the skin, including through the use of dermabrasion or chemical peels, sought due to: (A) Birthmarks, vitiligo, or other skin conditions that result in the loss of melanin to the skin; (B) Scarring caused by surgical procedures, including without limitation face lifts, mole or wart removal, cauterization, and other similar procedures; (C) Mastectomy, including recreation of an areola or nipple; or (D) Blotchy pigmentation; (9) "Semipermanent cosmetics" means the application of cosmetic products in or on the body to beautify the body, including without limitation: (A) Repigmentation; (B) Microneedling; (C) Eyelash extensions; (D) Makeup application; and (E) Removal of hair through products or instruments which do not include waves, rays, or lasers; (10) “Sponsor” means an individual or business entity, including an event coordinator or manager, responsible for the organization of a convention, trade show, or other temporary event that includes a permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics demonstration booth; (11) "Sponsor educator" means an individual who: (A) Has been certified by the Department of Health as an a instructor of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics on or before the effective date of this subchapter; or (B) On and after the effective date of this subchapter, meets the following requirements: (i) Has completed the education required under § 17-26-707; and (ii) Is a registered instructor for permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics with the department; and (12) "Student" means any person who is enrolled and engaged in learning or acquiring knowledge of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics in an institution under a sponsor educator.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-702 Unlawful to perform permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics on person under 18 years of age — Documentation and consent.

(a)(1) A person under eighteen (18) years of age shall not undergo permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics unless: (A) Written consent is given by the person's parent or legal guardian; (B) The parent or legal guardian is present during the procedure; (C) The person to undergo permanent cosmetics and semi- permanent cosmetics and the parent or legal guardian each provide a valid government-issued form of identification that includes a name, date of birth, and photo; and (D) The parent or legal guardian presents proof of guardianship that matches the identification given, including without limitation a birth certificate or a court or state record for adoption, legal guardianship, emancipation, or a marriage license. (2) The artist shall retain for at least two (2) years a copy of a photo identification and a proof of guardianship presented under subdivision (a)(1) of this section. (b) A person shall not perform permanent cosmetics and paramedical tattooing on a person under thirteen (13) years of age, regardless of parental consent, except when authorized or prescribed by a physician's statement. (c) Regardless of age, the person receiving the permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics shall attest to the fact that he or she is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (d) Printed and verbal instructions on the care of the skin and the permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics shall be given to each person after the procedure, and a copy of the instructions shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the establishment. (e)(1)(A) In addition to the attestations required in subsections (a) and (c) of this section, records shall be kept of all persons receiving permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics and of the parents or legal guardians giving consent under the rules promulgated by the Department of Health to implement this subchapter. (B) If the person to undergo permanent cosmetics and semi- permanent cosmetics is under eighteen (18) years of age, the record shall include the printed legal name and signature of the parent or legal guardian. (2) All records shall be retained for at least two (2) years from the last date recorded in the bound book. (3) All required signatures shall be in ink or digital form, and required records shall be available at a reasonable time for examination by the department and by local health officials. (f)(1) Except as provided in subsections (a)-(c) of this section, it is unlawful to perform permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics on a person under eighteen (18) years of age, and any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a violation of this subdivision (f)(1) is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (2) Any person who falsely claims to be the minor's parent or legal guardian for the purpose of obtaining permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics for a person under eighteen (18) years of age shall be guilty of a Class D felony. (3) It is not a defense to a criminal prosecution under subdivision (f)(1) of this section that at the time of the offense the person who received the permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics possessed a letter of consent from the person's parent or legal guardian if the letter was forged or if a person falsely assumed the identity of the minor's parent or legal guardian. (g)(1) It is unlawful to perform permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics in any unlicensed establishment. (2) A person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a violation of subdivision (g)(1) of this section is guilty of a Class D felony. (3) A fine collected under this section, less court fees, shall be allocated as follows: (A) Fifty percent (50%) to the State of Arkansas; (B) Twenty-five percent (25%) to the city or county that levied and collected the fine; and (C) Twenty-five percent (25%) to be deposited into the State Treasury, credited to the Public Health Fund, and used exclusively for the permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-703 Licensure, regulation, and inspection for health hazards.

(a)(1) An artist who performs permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics shall be licensed by the Department of Health. (2) An establishment where artists who perform permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics shall be licensed by the department. (3) An institution shall be licensed by the department as an establishment. (4) An artist from a state other than Arkansas or a country outside of the United States who holds a license from the permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics regulatory board or agency in that state or country may submit an application for qualifications review by the department to determine eligibility for a permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics license based upon criteria established by the department. (5) The business premises, equipment, procedures, techniques, and conditions of those businesses shall be subject to at least one (1) inspection by the department. (b)(1) The department may adopt appropriate rules regarding the artists, premises, equipment, procedures, techniques, and conditions of establishments which perform procedures subject to this subchapter to assure that the premises, equipment, procedures, techniques, and conditions are aseptic and do not constitute a health hazard. (2) Any rule affecting establishments in effect on January 1, 2021, shall remain in effect until the department adopts rules under this subchapter. (c) Applicants for a license shall file applications upon forms prescribed by the department. (d) A license shall be issued only for the premises and persons in the application and shall not be transferable. (e)(1) The department shall levy and collect an annual fee of: (A) One hundred fifty dollars ($150) per facility for issuance of a license to an establishment; and (B) One hundred dollars ($100) per artist for issuance of a license to an artist. (2)(A) The department shall collect a one-time fee of five hundred dollars ($500) per artist licensed in a state other than Arkansas or a country other than the United States who applies for qualifications review by the department. (B) The fee for written and practical exams under § 17-26-707 is not required for an applicant under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section for exams taken to complete requirements established by the department. (C) Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements by the applicant and approval of qualifications established by the department, a license for an artist shall be issued to an applicant under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section. (D) The department shall collect the annual artist fee of one hundred dollars ($100) after the issuance of a license under subdivision (e)(2)(C) of this section. (3) The annual fee for an artist or for an establishment shall be based upon the calendar year, January 1 through December 31, with fees for any given year due by December 31 of the previous year. (4) If the annual fee for an establishment has not been paid by March 1 of the calendar year, the establishment shall be closed until a new license has been issued by the department and the annual fee has been paid. (5)(A) If the annual fee for an artist has not been paid by March 1 of the calendar year, the artist shall have his or her license suspended for ninety (90) days. (B) If an artist has his or her license suspended, he or she shall before a license may be reissued within ninety (90) days after the suspension: (i) Pay a reinstatement fee of one hundred dollars ($100) and pay all overdue licensing fees; (ii) Complete a written exam with the department and a practical exam in the establishment in which the artist is licensed; and (iii) Meet current requirements established by the department for artists. (C) If an artist whose license is suspended has not met the requirements under subdivision (e)(5)(B) of this section within ninety (90) days after the suspension, the artist may apply for qualification review. (6) In addition to the penalty provisions found in this subsection, any owner of an establishment or institution operating without a current license commits a Class D felony. (f) An artist shall complete not less than eight (8) clock hours of continuing education at an institution licensed by the board in order to renew his or her license each year. (g) All fees levied and collected under this subchapter are declared to be special revenues and shall be deposited into the State Treasury, and be used exclusively for permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics. (h) Subject to any rules as may be implemented by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the disbursing officer for the department may transfer all unexpended funds that pertain to fees collected under this subchapter, as certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, to be carried forward and made available for expenditures for the same purpose for any following fiscal year.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-704 Local health officials.

(a) Any city or county department of health may periodically inspect establishments on the basis of compliance with state, city, or county sanitary regulations. (b) The governing body of any municipality or county may adopt by ordinance local sanitary regulations of establishments.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-705 No criminal liability.

This subchapter does not creates any liability, criminal or otherwise, for a person under eighteen (18) years of age for undergoing permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-706 Blood-borne pathogens course.

(a)(1) Each artist, instructor, and student shall complete United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogens training approved by the Department of Health on or before December 1, 2022. (2) An approved online course may be used to satisfy the requirement under subdivision (a)(1) of this section. (b) Each instructor shall complete the course before training any student. (c) Each student shall complete the course before applying for the examination required under § 17-26-709. (d)(1) After completion of a first United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogens training approved by the department, an artist, instructor, and student shall renew the training annually. (2) A copy of each annual certification under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall be submitted to the department with the license renewal.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-707 Education of student.

(a) A sponsor educator shall be a registered sponsor educator at an institution licensed by the Department of Health. (b) The department shall develop standards to determine: (1) The maximum number of students in an institution at one (1) time; and (2) The length of the program in hours and across a range of months. (c)(1)(A) During the education of the student in permanent cosmetics, each student shall complete not less than four hundred (400) clock hours of supervised permanent cosmetics education, including not less than one hundred fifty (150) hours of supervised on-site work and not less than two hundred (200) hours of classroom instruction, in a period not less than six (6) months or more than twenty-four (24) months in an establishment licensed under § 17-26-709. (B) During the education of a student in semi-permanent cosmetics, each student shall complete not less than two hundred (200) clock hours of supervised semipermanent cosmetics, including not less than one hundred (100) hours of supervised on-site work and not less than fifty (50) hours of classroom instruction, in a period not less than six (6) months or more than twenty-four (24) months in an establishment licensed under § 17-26-709. (C) Additional modalities of paramedical tattooing may be added by completing not less than sixteen (16) clock hours of technical and procedural training in each of the fields of paramedical tattooing in which the student is to be licensed. (D) A student studying multiple fields of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics at the same time shall complete a total of six hundred (600) clock hours of all fields in not less than six (6) months or more than twenty-four (24) months. (2)(A) The sponsor educator shall maintain a training log of the clock hours completed by the student on forms approved by the board. (B) The training log shall include without limitation a record of: (i) Hours of both theory and practical education; (ii) The procedures observed and completed; (iii) A list of resources used for training; (iv) The name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth of the client on whom the procedure is performed; (v) The date of the procedure; (vi) The name, phone number, and signature of the student; and (vii) The name and signature of the sponsor educator and one (1) administrative member of the institution. (C) The student shall keep available for inspection a bound record book that is separate from the record book of another artist or artist in training. (D) The completed training log shall be submitted to the board at the time of the practical examination under § 17-26-709. (3) In order to graduate from an institution, a student shall complete three (3) procedures in each area of the face by using the equipment. (d)(1) During the education of an artist to become a sponsor educator, each artist shall complete not less than six hundred (600) clock hours of a sponsor educator training program, including not less than one hundred (100) hours of teaching observation, two hundred (200) hours of theory, one hundred fifty (150) hours of procedure observation, and one hundred fifty (150) hours of practice teaching. (2) A person shall not identify as a sponsor educator until licensed or certified under this subchapter. (3) A licensure or certification of a sponsor educator is only valid at the institution in which the licensure or certification is received. (4) A sponsor educator may offer training only in the area in which the sponsor educator holds a current license from the department. (e) The department shall adopt a minimum curriculum for each area of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics training that shall be followed by all sponsor educators, students, and institutions.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-708 Institutions.

(a) The Department of Health may grant licensure to an institution if the owner of the institution submits: (1) The address and phone number of the institution; (2) Proof of accreditation within the previous six (6) months; (3) The floor plan of the institution to ensure adequate space for fundamental teaching and hands-on laboratory instruction; (4) The name, contact information, work experience, and license information for all sponsor educators teaching at the institution; (5) The background and resume of the owner; (6) Proof of registration and good standing with the Secretary of State under the name of the institution; (7) Proof of malpractice or liability insurance; (8) A detailed curriculum to be approved by the department; and (9) A licensure fee of eight hundred fifty dollars ($850). (b) Once licensed by the department, the institution shall: (1) Maintain daily records of the student's time which shall be accessible by the student and the department; (2) Ensure that hours on the transcript are transferable with all institutions within this state; (3) Provide: (A)(i) A certified transcript to a student or the department upon request. (ii) The institution may charge a student no more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per copy and shall provide the copy within two (2) business days; and (B)(i) A copy of the enrollment agreement between the institution and the student to the department. (ii) The enrollment agreement may be adjusted at any time with a thirty (30) day written notice and supporting documentation submitted to the department; and (4) Submits a renewal fee of one hundred dollars ($100). (c) An institution that does not comply with this section is subject to: (1) A fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation; (2) Reimbursement or refund to a student of no less than fifty percent (50%) of tuition per student; or (3) Permanent closure of the institution. (d) An institution that does not comply with or breaches the enrollment agreement between the institution and the student is subject to: (1) A fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per violation; (2) Reimbursement or refund to a student of no less than fifty percent (50%) of tuition per student; or (3) Permanent closure of the institution. (e)(1) An institution that proposes to offer distance learning shall provide a detailed curriculum of the course of study with supporting materials and digital testing methods. (2) The department shall not license an institution for distance learning if the institution is unable to administratively support off-campus education. (3) A student may take a permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics kit or machine, or both, home to be able to practice remotely through institutions approved for distance learning. (f)(1) An institution may utilize guest artists and guest educators for courses. (2) A guest artist shall: (A) Pay a fee of five hundred dollars ($500) to perform billable services in this state; and (B) Apply for a license in this state that has to be valid for no more than fourteen (14) consecutive days. (3) A guest educator shall not perform billable services and shall be regulated under the authority of the institution. (g)(1) An institution in operation on the effective date of this subchapter shall submit all documentation indicated in this section to the department and comply with all laws and rules within ninety (90) days to remain in operation. (2) An institution that does not become compliant within ninety (90) days is subject to immediate closure until the institution comes in compliance.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-709 Examination — Fee.

(a)(1)(A) Each student seeking licensure as an artist under the rules of the Department of Health shall take a written and practical examination prepared or approved by the department after completion of education requirements. (B) Upon completion of the hours required under § 17-26-707, a practical examination shall be conducted by the department in each field of training for which the student is seeking licensure. (2) Until a student receives a passing grade on the written and practical examination, a student shall not: (A) Be licensed as an artist; (B) Hold himself or herself out as a licensed artist; or (C) Independently perform a permanent cosmetics or semi- permanent cosmetics procedure without the supervision of a sponsor educator. (b) The department shall levy and collect a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) from each student who applies to take the written and practical examinations required under this section for licensure as an artist. (c) A fee collected under this section shall be deposited into the State Treasury, credited to the Public Health Fund, and used exclusively for permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-710 Temporary demonstration license.

(a) The Department of Health may issue a temporary demonstration license to an artist or establishment or to a supplier of materials for permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics for: (1) Educational purposes where permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics is performed; (2) Trade shows where permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics is performed; (3) Demonstrations of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics products or procedures; and (4) An appearance as a guest artist. (b) A temporary demonstration license shall be valid for no more than fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days. (c)(1) The sponsor of a permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics event for an educational purpose, a trade show, a demonstration, or a combination of an educational purpose, a trade show, and a demonstration of permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics procedures where permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics is performed shall obtain the necessary permits to conduct business in the jurisdiction in which the event will be held, including without limitation a permit issued by the department. (2) The department shall collect a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per artist who performs permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics at an event, not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000) per event. (3) In addition to the penalties under § 17-26-702, a sponsor who violates this subsection is subject to closure of the temporary permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics event and a penalty not to exceed three (3) times the cost of the permit. (d) The department shall levy and collect a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) from a guest artist for a temporary demonstration license. (e)(1) An application for a temporary demonstration license shall be submitted to the department not less than forty-five (45) days before the event for educational purposes, trade show, or demonstration of permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics products and procedures where permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics is performed. (2) An application for a temporary demonstration license shall be submitted to the department not less than seven (7) days before the appearance of a guest artist. (3) An artist shall provide evidence of completion of United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogens training with the application. (f)(1) A person applying for a temporary demonstration license to appear as a guest artist shall provide documentation of licensure as an artist in another state or country or employment history in an establishment licensed by the regulatory board or agency in another state or country before the temporary demonstration license may be granted. (2) The establishment where the guest artist is appearing shall have a licensed artist on its staff. (3) A guest artist may be issued a temporary demonstration license to appear as a guest artist no more than one (1) time every three (3) months. (g) A fee levied and collected under this section is special revenue and shall be deposited into the State Treasury, to be credited to the Public Health Fund to be used exclusively for permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-711 Critical items for closure of establishment.

(a) The Department of Health shall create and publish a list of critical items for closure of an establishment. (b)(1) An establishment that violates a critical item from the list established under subsection (a) of this section is subject to immediate closure by the department. (2) An establishment closed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall remain closed until: (A) Fines or penalties, or both, are assessed under this subchapter have been paid; and (B) Upon inspection by the department, the establishment is no longer in violation of a critical item.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-712 Prohibitions.

(a) Permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics are prohibited: (1) On a person who is inebriated or appears to be incapacitated by the use of alcohol or drugs; (2) On a person who shows signs of recent intravenous drug use; (3) On an area with sunburn, open lesions, rashes, or wounds; (4) With the use of a product or ink banned or restricted by the United States Food and Drug Administration; and (5) On an animal in a facility licensed for the application of permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics on human beings. (b)(1) A person shall not sell an instrument of permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics to a person within this state who is not licensed as an artist by the Department of Health. (2)(A) A violation of subdivision (b)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (B) Each violation of subdivision (b)(1) of this section is a separate offense. (c)(1) Possession of an instrument of permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics by a person within this state who is not licensed as an artist or registered student by the department is prohibited. (2)(A) A violation of subdivision (c)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (B) Each violation of subdivision (c)(1) of this section is a separate offense. (d) A fine collected under this section, less court fees, shall be allocated as follows: (1) Fifty percent (50%) to the State of Arkansas; (2) Twenty-five percent (25%) to the city or county that levied and collected the fine; and (3) Twenty-five percent (25%) to be deposited into the State Treasury, credited to the Public Health Fund, and used exclusively for permanent cosmetics and semipermanent cosmetics.

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-713 Penalties.

(a) An artist who violates this subchapter or rules adopted by the Department of Health pertaining to permanent cosmetics or semipermanent cosmetics commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense. (b) After notice of a violation has been given, each violation of this subchapter constitutes a separate offense unless another penalty is specifically provided in this subchapter.

Source: Public.Resource.Org / UniCourt, Official Code of Arkansas Annotated, Release 78 (2020) (unicourt.github.io/cic-code-ar)URL: https://unicourt.github.io/cic-code-ar/transforms/ar/ocar/r78/gov.ar.code.title.17.htmlFetched: 11/8/2026