The Ed.
Well-Known Member
I rely on some goodwilled geeks to keep me up to date on what's causing chatter on the forums. I simply can't be everywhere at once, so I was very grateful when I was told about all the confusion amongst geeks regarding patch testing for lash tints.
The accepted practice is that we patch test every new client the first time they have the treatment. Up until now, we have assumed that is sufficient in terms of safety and insurance cover however, recently, some confusion has arisen after some manufacturers stated that professionals should be patch testing every client, every time they have the treatment. While manufacturers' literature, instructions, manuals don't say this explicitly, when asked for clarification, manufacturers are verbally (or via email) confirming that clients should be patch tested every time they have the treatment.
Obviously, patch testing every time is not ideal but neither are we willing to jeopardise our reputation, not to mention our client's health, so what does this mean for the professional? When asked about this issue Salon Systems replied via email stating, "We’d recommend that a patch test is carried out before each and every application because it is possible to become sensitive to a product even though someone might be a regular user." However, this isn't included in their official instructions so, where do you lie when it comes to insurance?
I contacted BABTAC who were not surprised to hear that this issue had come up. In fact, they are currently rewriting and updating their Good Practice Guide and have included this issue in it. After speaking with BABTAC they have contacted their insurance brokers who have confirmed, that in these instances the broker will accept the recommendation of BABTAC over the manufacturer. This means that, if you are following the already defined regulations regarding patch testing which are testing 24 hours before first treatment, testing before a change in medical history, testing after hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, testing before a change in preparation (i.e. new supplier, new ingredients) and testing after a 12 month interval between treatments and you have signed client record cards to be kept for seven years, then you are covered.
Just to clarify, BABTAC's insurance providers have confirmed that they will accept BABTAC's guidance on this issue and BABTAC have recommended that as long as the above patch testing guidelines listed above have been followed, then you are covered. Failing to patch test every client every time will not result in your insurance being invalid, as long as you follow the above guidelines. BABTAC's insurance providers have accepted this recommendation.
However, it is important to note that this applies only to BABTAC. Professionals covered by other insurance providers will need to check with their individual providers and confirm the regulations of their individual policies.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
The accepted practice is that we patch test every new client the first time they have the treatment. Up until now, we have assumed that is sufficient in terms of safety and insurance cover however, recently, some confusion has arisen after some manufacturers stated that professionals should be patch testing every client, every time they have the treatment. While manufacturers' literature, instructions, manuals don't say this explicitly, when asked for clarification, manufacturers are verbally (or via email) confirming that clients should be patch tested every time they have the treatment.
Obviously, patch testing every time is not ideal but neither are we willing to jeopardise our reputation, not to mention our client's health, so what does this mean for the professional? When asked about this issue Salon Systems replied via email stating, "We’d recommend that a patch test is carried out before each and every application because it is possible to become sensitive to a product even though someone might be a regular user." However, this isn't included in their official instructions so, where do you lie when it comes to insurance?
I contacted BABTAC who were not surprised to hear that this issue had come up. In fact, they are currently rewriting and updating their Good Practice Guide and have included this issue in it. After speaking with BABTAC they have contacted their insurance brokers who have confirmed, that in these instances the broker will accept the recommendation of BABTAC over the manufacturer. This means that, if you are following the already defined regulations regarding patch testing which are testing 24 hours before first treatment, testing before a change in medical history, testing after hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, testing before a change in preparation (i.e. new supplier, new ingredients) and testing after a 12 month interval between treatments and you have signed client record cards to be kept for seven years, then you are covered.
Just to clarify, BABTAC's insurance providers have confirmed that they will accept BABTAC's guidance on this issue and BABTAC have recommended that as long as the above patch testing guidelines listed above have been followed, then you are covered. Failing to patch test every client every time will not result in your insurance being invalid, as long as you follow the above guidelines. BABTAC's insurance providers have accepted this recommendation.
However, it is important to note that this applies only to BABTAC. Professionals covered by other insurance providers will need to check with their individual providers and confirm the regulations of their individual policies.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
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