INDUSTRY NEWS

A proposed rule could have significant operational implications for U. S. spas that rely on licensed massage therapists, estheticians, cosmetologists and other beauty and wellness professionals.

New accountability framework Published in the federal register on April 20, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the U. S. Department of Education( DOE) would establish a new student tuition and transparency system and earnings accountability framework for postsecondary programs participating in Title IV federal student aid. Programs would be evaluated based on whether graduates’ median earnings exceed a benchmark comparable to earnings of high school graduates. Programs that repeatedly fail the standard could lose eligibility for Federal Direct Student Loans and, in certain cases, Pell Grants. The public comment period closed May 20.

Why it matters to spa employers For the spa industry, the concern is workforce availability.

Many massage, skincare and cosmetology programs are clock-hour or certificate programs whose students depend on federal aid to access training. Industry groups warn that if a substantial number of schools lose Title IV eligibility, fewer students may enter the education pipeline, eventually reducing the supply of licensed professionals available to spas, salons and wellness businesses. Beauty and wellness education advocates estimate more than 90 percent of beauty and wellness programs could be affected if the rule is finalized as proposed.

Questions around earnings data While the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards( FSMTB) has not taken a formal position on the proposed rulemaking, it has compiled and shared concerns raised

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