Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/618738
56 january/february 2016 "It is important that you know your scope of practice and what your liability insurance covers you for," says Susanne S. Warfield, founder and executive director of the National Coalition of Estheticians. "This is your responsibility," Warfield emphasizes. "Don't allow employers or others to dictate what you should or could be practicing." For instance, ASCP members' liability insurance doesn't cover any invasive procedures. If you have any doubt about your scope of practice, contact your state board. ADVANCED EDUCATION An esthetician who works in conjunction with a physician should have a basic understanding of the medical procedures performed and the ability to cross-refer for treatments and services, depending on the client's cosmetic and esthetic goals. Esthetics educator Kathryn Campbell says, "For those who wish to work in a medical environment but don't have the experience, there are training facilities that can provide the knowledge that is needed to be most effective in this specialized area." The training facility you choose to attend should be able to provide both theory and hands-on instruction. Understanding skin science, chemistry of products, and the basic physics of common skin care modalities and how they all work together is essential. Bradley A. Greene, MD, a San Francisco-based, board-certified facial plastic surgeon and medical director at Concepts Institute of Advanced Esthetics, says, "Corrective treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, should be the esthetician's core competency. Estheticians should also have a basic knowledge of medical terminology and common medications that the doctor may prescribe. Wound and post-surgery care is also important to know." A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIP In recent years, physicians who practice medical cosmetic procedures and estheticians who practice skin care have proved to be synergistic partners. They can benefit one another and give their patients/clients optimal results. The doctor's main objective is to safely improve the patient's appearance, while the esthetician's responsibility may include caring for the person before and after these procedures through noninvasive skin care treatments. And beyond the pre- and post-treatment care lies the opportunity to keep clients coming back for facials, waxing, and retail skin care products. Every license holder must, by law, practice within the scope of his or her license, and scope-of-practice definitions vary widely from state to state. Medical Spa Defined The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/ Distributors & Associations defines a medical spa as "a facility that during all hours of business shall operate under the on-site supervision of a licensed health-care professional operating within their scope of practice, with a staff that operates within their scope of practice as defined by their individual licensing board if licensure is required. The facility may offer traditional, complementary, and alternative health practices and treatments in a spa-like setting."