Electrology Committee

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE 

Maryland is one of several states that regulate electrologists.  The practice of electrology has been regulated since 1978.

Duties of the Committee include, but are not limited to writing regulations, clinical examinations, licensing, and disciplining  those that violate the law.  The most important function is protecting the citizens of Maryland.

The Committee has five members—four must be licensed electrologists with at least five years of experience immediately prior to appointment to the committee, and one member must be a consumer with no financial affiliation to any person regulated by the Committee.  Committee members serve four years and may serve no more than two terms, though all serve until a successor is named.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Sandra M. Wilson, LE - Chair	Verdell T. Harmon - Consumer Member	H. Carol Cichan, LE - Member
Nancy Willis, LE - Member	Sally McAleer, LE - Member	Stanley Yankellow - Liaison

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Electrology Committee meets a minimum of four times a year on the first Wednesday of the month. Additional meetings may be scheduled to handle time sensitive matters. The meetings are held at 4140 Patterson Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215. Tentative meeting dates starting at 10 a.m. for open session are October 7, 2009,  February 3, 2010, and  May 5, 2010.

Individuals seeking to present matters before the Committee should contact Stan Yankellow at syankellow@dhmh.state.md.us.  The petition should briefly state the situation and all pertinent documents and information.

DIRECTIONS

The Electrology Committee is located at the Board of Nursing. Click here for directions.

DEFINITION OF ELECTROLOGY

Electrology, the science of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid needle or probe devises, has been practiced since 1869.  A fine sterile needle or probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of electrical energy is discharged and destroys the hair growth tissue.  The hair is then removed with sterile forceps, and the area is left to heal.  When competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated.

Three basic methods are used in the practice of electrology: electrolysis, thermolysis, and the blend.  Electrolysis uses direct current (DC) to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle.  One or more sterile needles or probes are used with electrolysis,  Thermolysis uses alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency or short-wave, to create heat which destroys the hair follicle.  One sterile needle or probe is used for thermolysis.  The blend (also referred to as dual modality) uses both of the above currents simultaneously or sequentially to achieve dual action destruction of the hair follicle.  Most often, a single sterile needle or probe is used for this procedure.