Nail technicians (NTs) are licensed to use
electric files (many podiatrists call
them "drills"), though some states require a
certification course. But NTs CANNOT work on
anyone with evidence of any infection. And they
certainly cannot cause bleeding. They can only
reduce the thickness of a nail if there is no
infection (Many podiatrists send their laser
patients to nail technicians to have prosthetic
toenails applied, but legally they must certify
there is no infection.) BTW, NTs are licensed to
trim nails and reduce calluses also but they are
not licensed to use blades.
Nail yechnicians are only licensed to perform
cosmetic services. The key word here
is "cosmetic" - this nail tech was likely
performing a service WAY beyond her scope of
practice.
Also, I wonder if the NT knew the patient was
HIV. Many salons do not require new client
sheets which include health questions. They are
taught in schools to use them prior to services
on new clients but many do not - just too lazy.
And then there are those clients that will not
divulge because they want the service.
In lawsuits, it has been ruled that NTs cannot
refuse to provide services to AIDS clients
unless there are open lesions. The same rules
apply for any other chronically ill client, such
as diabetics. Unless there is an opportunity
portal (open lesion) they must perform the
services if asked to or they are open to
lawsuit. It's happened. F/E, one salon told a
HIV client there were no appointment openings to
perform the service - technically they did not
refuse to do the service. They were sued and
lost.
This patient should only have cosmetic services
offered in a podiatrist's office by a trained
medical nail technician. MNTs are committed to
and understand how to perform safe, aseptic
services on chronically ill patients.
Janet McCormick, MS, Frostproof, FL,
janet.mccormick.info@gmail.com
