PA To Consider Regulating Tattoo Parlors, Artists

HARRISBURG, PA — A state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation to require tattoo businesses and artists to be licensed and registered.

State Rep. Rosemary Brown wants all tattoo establishments to be licensed by the state Department of Health and pay an annual registration fee of as much as $250. The health department would randomly inspect 20 percent of tattoo businesses annually as well as any new ones that open.

The Monroe County Republican also wants individual tattoo artists to be licensed and pay an annual registration fee of as much as $150. Applicants would be required to include the address of each tattoo establishment where they work.

Temporary establishment or guest tattoo artist licenses will be offered for conventions and conferences and other temporary locations. The licenses would be good for 14 days after they are issued.

"With over 40 percent of Americans having at least one tattoo, the goal of this legislation is to
strengthen consumer protection and minimize the chance of a serious blood borne pathogen or communicable diseases (such as) hepatitis, HIV and staph," Brown wrote in a recent memo to colleagues.

The idea for the bill came when a tattoo parlor owner approached Brown several years ago asking why Pennsylvania did not license or inspect the industry.

"I have to admit, I was surprised to find that there was no oversight, since a tattoo procedure breaks and opens the skin with needles, creating a prime environment for infections," Brown wrote. "If sanitary measures are not followed, the opportunity for a serious infection are possible."

If the impending bill becomes law, Brown said it would not change existing law requiring a minor under the age of 18 to obtain parental or guardian approval for a tattoo.

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