What is the basis for determining the civil penalty for a single violation in the practice of cosmetology?

The basis for determining the civil penalty for a single violation in the practice of cosmetology centers around the amount necessary to deter future violations. This principle reflects the idea that penalties should not only impose consequences but also serve as a deterrent to prevent similar infractions from occurring in the future. When setting the financial penalty, regulators consider how the amount will influence an individual's or entity's future behavior regarding compliance with cosmetology regulations.

By focusing on deterrence, the regulatory framework aims to uphold safety and standards in the cosmetology profession. If penalties are too lenient, they may not effectively discourage other practitioners from committing similar violations. Conversely, penalties that are appropriately calculated can promote adherence to regulations and support a culture of compliance within the cosmetology industry.

While factors such as the severity of the violation, frequency of violations, and impact on public safety are important considerations in the context of regulatory enforcement, it is the consideration of deterrence that primarily drives the specific calculation of civil penalties for individual violations.