1111 Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureaus
Program Descriptions

22 - BUREAU OF BARBERING AND COSMETOLOGY

The Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology licenses barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, and manicurists after determining, through an examination, that applicants possess the minimum skills and qualifications necessary to provide safe and effective services to the public. The Bureau conducts both routine and directed health and safety inspections of licensed establishments operating in the state. The Bureau also investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, incompetence, fraud, or unlicensed activity. When warranted, the Bureau takes disciplinary action. The Bureau's mission is to protect consumers from harm by licensees through its licensing and enforcement programs.

Although it became a bureau directly under the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b), its sunset date was extended pursuant to AB 1545 (Chapter 35, Statutes of 2008); therefore it will become a board again, effective January 1, 2009.

23 - ARBITRATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Arbitration Certification Program certifies and monitors arbitration programs offered by new car manufacturers to ensure that they substantially comply with state and federal regulations.

24 - HEARING AID DISPENSERS BUREAU

The Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau licenses and regulates hearing aid dispensers. The Bureau also protects hearing-impaired consumers by informing them of their legal rights and obligations when purchasing or returning hearing aids and protects consumers by maintaining advertising standards.

25 - BUREAU OF SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services ensures that only those who meet the prescribed qualifications to offer services as private investigators, repossessors, uniformed security guards, private patrol operators, proprietary private security officers, alarm company operators, alarm agents, locksmiths, and firearm and baton training facilities be licensed, and enforces the regulations established by legislation for such licenses.

27 - BUREAU FOR PRIVATE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

The former Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (Bureau) became inoperative on July 1, 2007. Chapters 67 and 635, Statutes of 2007, provided the Department limited, interim-operation authority for 2007-08.

The Bureau was established to oversee and approve private postsecondary vocational and degree-granting institutions to ensure they met specified minimum statutory standards concerning the quality of education, ethical and business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility. The Bureau responded to student complaints and oversaw a fund designed to help reimburse a student's tuition if a school closed unexpectedly. The Bureau was also responsible for approving education and training programs for veterans in California.

Chapter 635, Statutes of 2007, established the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) within the DCA, however restricts the BPPE from commencing operations unless and until a new statute is enacted that creates a new California Private Postsecondary Education Act. Until reform legislation is enacted, the Governor's Budget display will reflect no budget.

28 - BUREAU OF ELECTRONIC AND APPLIANCE REPAIR

The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair registers and regulates all businesses engaged in major home appliance and electronic equipment repair by imposing specific obligations of ethical conduct, honesty, and full and fair disclosure, providing certain safeguards to consumers when they need repair services or enter into service contract transactions, and ridding the repair industry of unscrupulous repair dealers and service contractors.

31 - BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

The Bureau of Automotive Repair administers two major programs in automotive repair markets that protect the consumer: the Automotive Repair Program and the Smog Check Program. Both programs are designed to protect consumers in the automotive repair marketplace, promote consumer education, and discipline unethical service dealers and technicians. In addition, through the Smog Check Program, BAR administers the nation's largest motor vehicle emissions reduction program. The Bureau also administers the Consumer Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible consumers whose vehicles fail a biennial Smog Check inspection.

34 - BUREAU OF HOME FURNISHINGS AND THERMAL INSULATION

The Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation regulates the manufacture, distribution, and sale of upholstered furniture, bedding, and thermal insulation products sold in California to ensure they meet health, safety, and flammability standards.

35 - CONSUMER AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION

35.10.010 - Administrative and Information Services Division:
To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services, ensure proper oversight and accountability, and minimize duplication of effort, the Department centralizes several functions that support the administration and implementation of the goals of the regulatory boards and bureaus. Services include policy direction, legal assistance, review of legislation, examination validation and assistance, information technology, accounting, budgets, personnel and other administrative functions.

35.10.015 - Office of Public Affairs:
The Office of Public Affairs serves as the primary press office for the Department and is the primary developer of consumer alerts, fact sheets and internet postings designed to raise awareness of consumer issues among consumers, the news media and other stakeholders.

35.10.020 - Consumer and Community Relations Division:
The Consumer and Community Relations Division is responsible for operation of the Consumer Information Center and the Complaint Mediation Program. The Consumer Information Center, through its toll-free telephone number, operates a call center. The center assists consumers and licensees by distributing publications, and applications for licensure and providing referrals to other consumer resources. The Center also responds to written correspondence and conducts outreach to inform and protect consumers about marketplace trends and represents consumer interests at local, state and federal levels. The complaint Mediation Program mediates consumer complaints against licensees and registrants regulated by the bureaus of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Complaint Mediation Program participates in statewide consumer outreach at fairs and other community events. The Program conducts informational presentations for community and civic groups, schools and other interested groups.

35.10.025 - Division of Investigation:
The Division of Investigation is vested with the statutory authority to investigate and enforce the laws administered by the client agencies within the Department to protect the health, safety, and welfare of consumers. The Division employs sworn armed peace officers to provide objective, timely, and cost-effective investigative services for its client agencies.

36 - DENTAL BUREAU OF CALIFORNIA

The Dental Bureau of California establishes minimal standards of competency for those individuals seeking to practice as a dentist, registered dental hygienist, registered dental assistant, dental auxiliary in extended function, or dental hygienist in alternative practice. The Bureau enforces standards to protect California dental consumers from incompetent dental practitioners, and the utilization of dental auxiliaries contributes to providing quality dental services to Californians.

Although it became a bureau directly under the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b), its sunset date was extended pursuant to AB 1545 (Chapter 35, Statutes of 2008); therefore it will become a board again, effective January 1, 2009.

37 - TELEPHONE MEDICAL ADVICE SERVICES BUREAU

The Telephone Medical Advice Services Bureau is responsible for regulating businesses that provide medical advice by telephone to California residents. The Bureau ensures that providers of telephone medical advice are qualified licensed health-care professionals, informs patients of their rights, and pursues any reported harmful activities.

38 - CEMETERY AND FUNERAL BUREAU

The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau ensures that only qualified applicants receive licenses to operate cemeteries, crematories or funeral establishments, or act as funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers, cremated remains disposers, cemetery managers, crematory managers, cemetery brokers or salespeople. The Bureau also ensures that licensees comply with applicable rules and regulations concerning the management of trust funds, permanence of mausoleums and columbariums, and the proper handling of human remains.

39 - BUREAU OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

The Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine implements and enforces the Naturopathic Doctors Act by licensing and regulating naturopathic doctors in California. The Bureau ensures that naturopathic doctors meet required educational and practice standards before licensure and investigates complaints against its licensees, disciplining those individuals found guilty of violations of law or regulation.

40 - OFFICE OF PRIVACY PROTECTION

The California Office of Privacy Protection serves as a statewide resource for consumer information and assistance on identity theft and other privacy issues. The Office also assists local, state, and federal law enforcement by providing training on privacy issues and by coordinating with them in investigations, works with businesses and other organizations to define and encourage sound privacy protection practices and reports on trends in consumer privacy problems and issues. Chapter 183, Statutes of 2007 (SB 90) moved the Office of Privacy Protection to the State and Consumer Services Agency effective January 1, 2008.

65 - SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY BUREAU

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Bureau licenses and regulates Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Thousands of California citizens experience congenital or acquired speech, language, hearing, swallowing and balance disorders. The Bureau protects consumers by requiring adherence to statutes and regulations designed to ensure the qualifications and competency of providers of speech-language pathology and audiology services. In addition to ensuring minimum educational requirements, the Bureau oversees a continuing professional development program to maintain clinical relevance. The Bureau is also responsible for protecting consumers from unlicensed, incompetent and unethical practitioners by investigating complaints regarding possible violations of the laws and regulations.

Although it became a bureau directly under the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b), its sunset date was extended pursuant to AB 1545 (Chapter 35, Statutes of 2008); therefore it will become a board again, effective January 1, 2009.

89 - PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARIES BUREAU

The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau, established pursuant to Chapter 491, Statutes of 2006, implements and enforces the Professional Fiduciaries Act by licensing and regulating individuals who act as professional fiduciaries in California. The Bureau protects against fraud and abuse by those who are charged with the care of California's most vulnerable residents by ensuring that minimum competency standards are met by establishing educational and experience requirements, conducting examinations, investigating violations of professional ethics and law, and disciplining licensees when appropriate.

91 - BUREAU OF VOCATIONAL NURSING AND PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

The Bureau of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians' mission is to protect the public. Public protection is paramount to the Bureau and its highest priority in exercising its licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions. Toward this end, the Bureau ensures that only qualified persons are licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians by enforcing education requirements, standards of practice and by educating consumers of their rights.

Although it became a bureau directly under the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b), its sunset date was extended pursuant to AB 1545 (Chapter 35, Statutes of 2008); therefore it will become a board again, effective January 1, 2009.