Sec. 1. 32 MRSA c. 126, sub-c. V is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER V

CONTINUING EDUCATION

§14261.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Biennial licensing period.__"Biennial licensing period" means the 2-year period beginning on July 1st and ending June 30th, 2 years later.

2.__Course.__"Course" means a continuing education course approved by the board pursuant to section 14263.

3. Eligible offering entity.__"Eligible offering entity" means a nonprofit professional association, college or university, vocational school, postsecondary proprietary school of cosmetology licensed by the board, manufacturer of supplies or equipment used in the practice of cosmetology, the board or an agent of the board, any individual or entity that owns and operates 5 or more licensed salons or that employs at least 50 licensees.__Any individual or entity not meeting this definition may petition the board for review and approval from the board in order to be considered an eligible offering entity.

4.__Licensee.__"Licensee" means a person licensed under subchapter III.

§14262.__Continuing education general provisions and procedures

1.__Continuing education general provisions.__The following are general provisions for continuing education.

A.__Licensees are exempt from all continuing education requirements until the biennial licensing period commencing after their initial licensure.

B.__A licensee may not receive credit for identical course instruction completed during the biennial licensing period.

C.__Courses completed prior to an individual being licensed by the board do not qualify for continuing education credit.__A licensee may not receive continuing education