License a New Business – FAQs

Do I need a license to operate a campground?

A Department of Health and Human Services license is required to conduct, control, manage or operate, for compensation, any camping park or event camping. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Tent campgrounds
• Recreational vehicle campgrounds
• Wilderness recreational parks
• Agricultural fair campgrounds
• Event Camping

How many sites can I have in my proposed campground?

There can be as many sites in a campground as the septic system and the sanitary/shower building, if any, can support. To have more sites, the septic system and/or sanitary facilities would need to be expanded.

The campground was recently inspected with previous owner, does it need to be inspected again if ownership changes to me?

The health inspector will make that determination based on how well he or she knows the establishment, history, and if you are making renovations or changes to your menu.

Where can I find the campground rules?

The Rules Relating to Campgrounds (CMR 205) can be downloaded from our website, or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules (Word).

Do I need a license to operate a compressed air facility?

Yes. A Department of Health and Human Services license is required for any supplier of compressed air that fills or supplies any breathing apparatus such as but not limited to, diving tanks and emergency responder breathing units with life supporting gases in the State of Maine. Fire departments are exempt from licensing requirements as long as the use of the apparatus is restricted to departmental use in fighting fires.

How soon can I receive my license?

Once a complete application with satisfactory air quality test has been submitted, the licensing clerk will issue the license generally within a week.

Are there any special requirements for air cylinders?

Yes. Air filling stations shall not fill self-contained underwater breathing apparatus that lack a U.S. Department of Transportation markings (or Interstate Commerce Commission-ICC, if manufactured prior to January 1, 1970) verifying that the cylinder has been hydrostatically tested with 5 years of the date of filling. Cascade system cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested at 5-year intervals. Protective barriers or isolated areas must be provided to protect operators against possible air cylinder failure during filling.

Is an inspection needed to supply compressed air?

No. To be eligible for initial or renewal license, a supplier of compressed air must provide certification from a tester of compressed air based on an inspection in the 6 months prior to application that the compressor equipment, air quality and compressor filling procedures are in compliance with rules of the department.

Where can I find the compressed air rules?

The _Rules Relating to the Licensing of Suppliers of Compressed Air Used in Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus_ can be downloaded or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules.

Do I need a license to practice electrology?

A Department of Health and Human Services license is required for the practice of electrology.

What is the minimum age of the person receiving electrology services?

There are no minimum age requirements.

Can I transfer my out-of-state license to Maine?

The Department of Health and Human Services accepts reciprocity of out-of-state licenses. You must provide the Department with evidence that you have at least 3 years' experience as an electrologist, and notarized copies of the license or registration from the issuing state.

Do I need any special training or certification to practice electrology?

All persons licensed to practice electrology must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have completed a 600-hour course of instruction in electrology, and pass an inspection.

Where can I find the electrology rules?

The Rules for the Practice of Electrology can be downloaded, or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules.

Do I need a license to operate a hotel, motel, bed & breakfast, or other lodging place?

A Department of Health and Human Services license is required for any building or part thereof which is used, maintained, advertised or held out to the public as a place where sleeping accommodations comprised of 4 or more rooms are offered as a business. Some examples include:

• Hotels
• Motels
• Guest homes
• Cottages

Bed and breakfast facilities require a license regardless of the number of rooms offered and must conform to the Maine Food Code.

The facility was recently inspected with previous owner, does the facility need to be inspected again if ownership changes to me?

The Health Inspector will make that determination based on how well he or she knows the establishment, history, and if you are making renovations or changes to your menu.

Where can I find the Lodging rules?

The Rules Relating to Lodging Establishments (CMR 206) can be downloaded or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules.

Do I need a permit to operate a mass gathering?

A Department of Health and Human Services permit is required for any outdoor gathering held with the intent of attracting a continued attendance of 2,000 or more people for 12 or more hours.

How much does a permit to operate a mass gathering cost?

The fee for reviewing an application is $100 and must accompany the application and the fee for the permit is as follows:

• 2,000-10,000 people is $400
• 10,001-30,000 people is $500
• 30,001-50,000 people is $600
• 50,001+ people is $750

What kinds of services have to be provided at a mass gathering?

The operator of a mass gathering must provide potable water, bathroom facilities for both genders, public safety personnel (police, fire, emergency medical, etc.), and trash collection, among other services. Please refer to the mass gathering rules for detailed requirements.

Where can I find the mass gathering rules?

The Mass Gathering Rules and Informational Guidelines can be downloaded or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules.

Do I need a license to practice micropigmentation?

A Department of Health and Human Services license is required for the practice of micropigmentation. Microblading is also considered micropigmentation and requires a micropigmentation license to practice. However, a person enrolled in a program of training to become a micropigmentation practitioner may perform micropigmentation in the course of that training, but only under the direct supervision of a licensed micropigmentation practitioner. Please refer to section 8 of the micropigmentation rules for education and training requirements. The Department will also allow training from an individual who has obtained Board-Certification with the AAM or Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional with SPCP.

I provide microblading services. Do I need a micropigmentation license?

Yes.

Are there additional requirements to maintain licensure?

All applicants practicing in the State of Maine shall become board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation, within 2 years of obtaining their license to practice.

Are the micropigmentation rules applicable to hospitals, medical institutions and physicians?

The micropigmentation rules are not applicable to licensed medical hospitals, and similarly licensed medical institutions, physicians or persons operating under the control or supervision of a physician.

What is the minimum age requirements to receive micropigmentation services?

The minimum age is 18. No micropigmentation shall be practiced on any person who is younger than 18, as verified by a driver's license, liquor ID card, military ID card, or other adequate record.

How does micropigmentation differ from tattooing?

Micropigmentation machines are lightweight implanters that lack the power of conventional tattooing machines and are designed primarily for facial cosmetic procedures. Micropigmentation does not include tattooing.

Can I transfer my out-of-state license to Maine?

The Department of Health and Human Services accepts reciprocity of out-of-state licenses. You must provide the Department with evidence of training documenting hours of written and practical instruction, equal to the training requirements of Maine practitioners as listed in Section 8 of the micropigmentation rules, and board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation, as proof of basic competence, within two years of obtaining a license to practice.

Where can I find the micropigmentation rules?

The Rules Relating to Micropigmentation Practioners can be downloaded or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules.

Do I need a license to operate a swimming pool, hot tub, or spa?

Yes. Any pool or spa which is offered for use to the general public, including but not limited to stand-alone facilities or in association with lodging places, campgrounds, etc., must be licensed and registered with the Department of Health and Human Services. Some examples are:

• Municipal swimming or wading pools
• Recreational or fitness swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Private pools associated with licensed child care facilities

Pools associated with private dwellings, apartments, condominiums, and property owners associations are exempt. Pools associated with licensed child care facilities can be exempted if the pool is made inaccessible to the children.

Do I have to have a lifeguard at my public swimming pool?

No, however, every public swimming pool and spa without a lifeguard must post a conspicuous sign, stating that there is no lifeguard on duty and that all children must be supervised.

What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Act?

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted to prevent the hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas. This federal law became effective on 12/19/08. Under the law, all public pools and spas must have ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 compliant drain covers installed and a second anti-entrapment system installed, when there is a single main drain or multiple drains set less than 3 feet apart. Learn more at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Maine law, specifically Title 22, 2666, also requires compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

How can I become a Certified Pool Operator?

Visit our website to view the Certified Pool Operator courses.

Where can I find the public pool or spa rules?

The Rules Relating to Public Pools and Spas can be downloaded or we can mail you a hard copy. Download a copy of the Rules.