Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/148952
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) membership includes professional liability insurance. ASCP staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have on this topic. Call 800-789-0411 or visit www.ascpskincare.com. Have liability Coverage Many of these risks also apply to clients who had cancer treatment in the past, not just those who are currently going through it. The increased risks of the medically challenged client go hand in hand with sanitation and infection control in the spa. Most state boards have infection-control and safety standards, and may even name the disinfectants that must be used. Correct procedures must be followed for every surface in the spa: beds and chairs, countertops, instruments, machines, and trolleys. The cleaning, disposal, storage, and use of supplies—everything from sponges to linens—must also be taken into consideration. Many of these risks also apply to clients who seek Appropriate Training had cancer treatment in the past, not just those Simply taking a health history is not enough to give you the information you need with these clients. Specialized training and the subsequent dedication to keep that training current are imperative. You must understand the condition, its medical treatment, and the side effects of that treatment. You must also know how these things can affect, or be affected by, your skin care treatments, products, and ingredients, as well as the client's home-care regimen. "It's more than just knowing what to do to minimize risk," says Paul Griffin, executive director of the International Association of Oncology Estheticians. "It's understanding why." Advanced training for estheticians who want to work with oncology clients should include: • How cancer starts and spreads. • Primary clinical considerations and contraindications. • Cancer treatments and their side effects. • Edema and lymphedema. • Product considerations, including ingredient knowledge. • Hands-on, supervised experience working with oncology clients. If you harm a client and that client holds you responsible, the financial cost can be tremendous—even if there is no lawsuit. No matter what type of clients they serve, all estheticians should have their own liability insurance. Never assume you are fully covered by your employer's or landlord's insurance. The same caution applies if you work at a medical facility. Do not assume you are covered by the supervising physician's medical malpractice insurance. Even if you are, it may only apply when you are working under that physician's direct supervision. Ask to review the policy to make sure. Estheticians who work in a medical setting are often required, as a hiring condition, to sign a contract that waives any liability for their employer. who are currently going through it. Always verify that the insurance covers you personally (not just the business) if you are named in a lawsuit and that it covers every treatment you provide. If you are working outside your scope of practice, or are in violation of any local, city, state, or federal law, your policy will be null and void. Bottom line: if you're not legally allowed to do something, your insurance won't cover it if something goes wrong! Do the Paperwork Your client's safety requires completion of detailed paperwork: a thorough intake form, informed consent, a physician's release if necessary, and any other forms that will help ensure safe treatment. Update the client's file at every appointment to note any changes in health, medical treatment, or medication. This can be as simple as adding a brief note to the file to describe any changes or confirm that there have been no changes, then having the client sign it. Maintain detailed, orderly notes that are easy to read and understand. Record keeping is a requirement of most liability insurance policies, and even if it isn't required by your policy, having good records can make all the difference if you ever need to file a claim. Client records should be kept at least seven years, or the length of time required by your state laws. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 31