Complaint Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Cosmetologists

1. How do I file a complaint? Will you disclose my name if I put it on the complaint form? What happens if I file the complaint anonymously?
2. What types of complaints does the board investigate?
3. How does the board investigate the complaints it receives?

How do I file a complaint? Will you disclose my name if I put it on the complaint form? What happens if I file the complaint anonymously?
To file a valid complaint with the Board of Barbers, you must provide the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number
• The details of your complaint

Please note that complaints cannot be filed anonymously. Complaints can be submitted via email to Barbers.cos@maryland.gov.

By default, the Board does not share your identity with the respondent (the person or business you are filing the complaint against). However, your name will be disclosed to the respondent if the respondent submits a request for the complaint under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). Your personal address and phone number are protected from disclosure by the MPIA and will not be shared with the respondent.

What types of complaints does the board investigate?
The board investigates complaints related to violations of the board’s rules and regulations.

How does the board investigate the complaints it receives?
Complaints are received by the board. The complaint is reviewed to see if it is within the board's jurisdiction. If it is within the board's jurisdiction a case is opened and a complaint acknowledgment letter is sent to the complainant. It is then assigned to an inspector to investigate the complaint. If there is not enough information in the complaint to conduct an investigation, the supervisor will contact the complainant for additional information. The board may send a letter to the licensee letting him or her know a complaint has been received against them, and ask for a response to the complaint, or the analyst may request an inspection of the establishment depending on how long ago the establishment was inspected and what their violations were.

The complainant's personal information is kept confidential and not released to the subject of the complaint. In cases alleging consumer harm, only the complainant's name is released. If you would like to request a status update on the case, you must leave contact information so the board can send you the case number. Without this number, the board cannot identify you as the individual who initiated the case and will not share any information with you if you inquire about the case unless disciplinary action is taken. No one views this information except the supervisor and inspector and it is not shared with anyone unless you have the case number and can identify yourself.

Complaints can take a minimum of three months to investigate. Once your case is closed, you will be notified by mail or e-mail if you left your contact information on the complaint form (Word).