Legal regulations for the profession of cosmetologist: More questions than answers

While discussing the problems of legal regulations governing the profession of cosmetologist, one has to consider the ever-increasing expectations of the customers (patients) with regard to professional skills and competences of cosmetologists. The aim of this study was to describe the current problems resulting from the lack of regulation of the cosmetologist's profession in the Polish legal system, as well as to propose the possible direction in which further initiatives in this area should be aimed, and from which achievements and experience can be learnt, and what aspects should be taken into account in the first instance. Material and methods: The legal Polish regulations (Acts, directives) have been reviewed that directly or indirectly relate to the execution of the cosmetologist's profession. Results: At present, there is still a lack of legal regulations which clearly and unequivocally set the professional rules for cosmetologists. The acceptance of the status of the profession of cosmetologist as one of the medical professions and placing it within the jurisdiction of the Act of auxiliary medical professions seems a more simple, fast and reliable way of achieving the intended goal. In case of deeming the profession of cosmetologist as a non-medical profession, passing a dedicated legal Act into the body of legislation would be necessary. Although the latter option would provide an opportunity for creating a regulation better fitting to the profession of cosmetologist, it would also require more time and effort without any guarantee of achieving the intended objective. Conclusion: The professional activities of a cosmetologist include procedures carried out on live people; therefore, strict rules for the execution of duties within this scope should serve the vital public interest. At present, however, the profession of cosmetologist is not regulated in any way that would ensure the safety of both the individual customer (patient) and the cosmetologist. There is a need for further research and analysis to provide facts that would facilitate a constructive discussion on the definition of the profession of cosmetologist, as well as the creation of the necessary legal regulations.

Key words: cosmetologist, legal status, competence, obligations, legal regulations.

DOI: 10.14320/EMK.2012.015

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Dermatologist and allergist in Krakow (Cracow), Poland

Estetologia Medyczna i Kosmetologia