Indiana lawmakers are considering new legislation that could reshape how aesthetics services—and microneedling in particular—are regulated across the state. House Bill 1131, introduced during the 2026 Regular Session, proposes an expanded definition of “esthetician” and introduces formal requirements for microneedling training and oversight.
If enacted, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2027, and would have meaningful implications for estheticians, medical spas, and multidisciplinary aesthetic practices operating in Indiana.
What the Bill Proposes
At its core, the legislation modernizes Indiana’s aesthetics regulations to reflect how services are currently delivered in cosmetic and aesthetic settings.
The bill would expand the legal definition of an esthetician to explicitly include additional cosmetic procedures such as:
- Eyelash lifts and tinting
- Eyebrow lamination and tinting
- Microneedling
For the first time, Indiana law would also include a formal definition of microneedling, describing it as a cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin at a depth of 0.3 to 2 millimeters.
In addition, the bill introduces a new accountability requirement: anyone providing microneedling services must be able to present proof of advanced training or certification to the professional licensing agency upon request.
New Licensing Standards for Electrology
Beyond aesthetics, House Bill 1131 also introduces significant changes to how electrology is regulated in Indiana. The bill removes the longstanding requirement that individuals must first hold a cosmetologist or esthetician license in order to become licensed as an electrologist.
Starting July 1, 2027, applicants for electrology licensure would instead be required to complete a combined total of 600 hours of education and hands-on experience in electrology training. To support this transition, the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners would be required to update its administrative rules by June 30, 2027, to reflect the new training standards.
The bill also addresses facility operations, directing the board to allow electrology and esthetics services to be performed in the same treatment room—provided they are not performed simultaneously. This change reflects the realities of modern medical spas and aesthetic clinics that offer multiple services within shared clinical spaces.
Impact on Estheticians, Electrologists, and Medical Spas
If passed, the legislation would create both opportunities and responsibilities for Indiana-based practices.
For estheticians, the expanded definition may offer greater clarity and legitimacy around services they already provide, while also formalizing expectations for advanced procedures like microneedling.
For electrologists, the revised licensing pathway could reduce barriers to entry while placing greater emphasis on standardized training and documented competency.
For medical spas and multidisciplinary aesthetic clinics, the bill highlights the importance of:
- Maintaining up-to-date licensure and training records across roles
- Ensuring role-based compliance for esthetics and electrology services
- Preparing for audits or agency inquiries related to scope of practice and facility use
Practices that already operate with strong documentation and credentialing processes will likely be best positioned to adapt smoothly.
Preparing for the July 2027 Effective Date
Although the bill is still under legislative review, its progress underscores a broader trend: states are moving toward clearer definitions, tighter oversight, and higher documentation standards in aesthetics and personal services.
Forward-thinking practices can begin preparing now by:
- Auditing staff credentials, licenses, and certifications
- Standardizing documentation for training and procedures
- Educating teams on evolving state-specific regulations
- Aligning workflows to support compliance and transparency
How OptiMantra Supports Compliance-Ready Aesthetic Practices
As regulations evolve, technology plays a critical role in helping practices stay compliant without slowing down operations. OptiMantra is an EMR and practice management system that supports medical spas and aesthetic clinics with structured documentation, role-based access controls, and audit-ready records that make it easier to demonstrate compliance when regulations change.
By centralizing provider credentials, treatment documentation, and clinical workflows, OptiMantra helps practices adapt confidently to new regulatory standards—while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality aesthetic care.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Laws and scope-of-practice regulations vary by state and are subject to change. Medical spas and aesthetic providers should consult qualified legal counsel and state licensing authorities to determine how this legislation applies to their specific practice.
