HARRISBURG, PA — A state lawmaker plans to introduce laws to require tattoo companies and artists to be licensed and registered.
State Rep. Rosemary Brown needs all tattoo institutions to be licensed by the state Division of Well being and pay an annual registration charge of as a lot as $250. The well being division would randomly examine 20 % of tattoo companies yearly in addition to any new ones that open.
The Monroe County Republican additionally needs particular person tattoo artists to be licensed and pay an annual registration charge of as a lot as $150. Candidates can be required to incorporate the tackle of every tattoo institution the place they work.
Momentary institution or visitor tattoo artist licenses might be provided for conventions and conferences and different momentary areas. The licenses can be good for 14 days after they’re issued.
“With over 40 % of People having not less than one tattoo, the purpose of this laws is to
strengthen client safety and reduce the prospect of a critical blood borne pathogen or communicable illnesses (resembling) hepatitis, HIV and staph,” Brown wrote in a latest memo to colleagues.
The thought for the invoice got here when a tattoo parlor proprietor approached Brown a number of years in the past asking why Pennsylvania didn’t license or examine the trade.
“I’ve to confess, I used to be stunned to search out that there was no oversight, since a tattoo process breaks and opens the pores and skin with needles, creating a chief atmosphere for infections,” Brown wrote. “If sanitary measures will not be adopted, the chance for a critical an infection are potential.”
If the approaching invoice turns into regulation, Brown stated it could not change current regulation requiring a minor below the age of 18 to acquire parental or guardian approval for a tattoo.
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