SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following new section:-

Section 245. (a) The department shall establish a program for the licensure of electrologists in the Commonwealth, provided that the bureau of health professions licensure shall oversee said program. The department shall prescribe qualifications of an electrologist and shall develop a process and application for licensure. The department shall establish minimum standards for licensure, including but not limited to, education, training, experience, and ethical standards.

(b)  A person who desires to be licensed as an electrologist shall complete an application, on a form to be prescribed and furnished by the department, and shall include with such application proof of satisfactory completion of the education, training and experience to meet the requirements for licensure. Said application shall be accompanied by a registration fee to be determined annually by the secretary of administration and finance under section 3B of chapter 7 of the General Laws. If the department deems the qualifications of an applicant are satisfactory, the department shall issue to the applicant a license. Each electrologist license shall expire on December 31 of each even numbered year. The fee for renewal of licensure shall be determined annually by the secretary of administration and finance under said section 3B of chapter 7. 

(c)  The department may issue rules and regulations as it deems necessary to enable the proper licensure and oversight of electrologists and to enforce the provisions of law relating to electrologists. 

(d)  The department may suspend, revoke, or discipline any license to practice as an electrologist for any violation of the law or regulation governing its practice; but before such suspension, revocation, or discipline, the department shall afford the license holder the opportunity of a hearing pursuant to chapter 30A. The department may, without holding a hearing, suspend or refuse to renew a license if the department finds reasonable cause to believe the licensee presents and immediate and serious threat to the public health, safety, or welfare; provided, however, that the department shall, within 7 days of such action, afford the license holder the opportunity of a hearing pursuant to chapter 30A. 

(e)  No individual may practice as an electrologist unless licensed under this section or pursuant to section 87Z of chapter 112. Except for an act of gross negligence or willful misconduct, the commissioner or practitioner who issues the statewide standing order under this subsection shall not be subject to any criminal or civil liability or any professional disciplinary action.