Should Tattoo Artists Be Licensed by the Department of Health?

A press release from Connecticut Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey:
Tattoo artists may soon be required to have a state license from the Department of Public Health. Legislation (HB6590) introduced by Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey(D-Hamden) requiring licenses for tattoo artists was approved May 9 by the House of Representatives.  

One of House Speaker Brendan Sharkey’s Hamden neighbors, Myra Rochow, a commissioner with the Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD), was reviewing state regulations and expressed concern about the lack of any licensing for tattooing in Connecticut. 

“Myra made a strong case including noting that tattoo artists similar to medical professionals use needles to pierce skin,” Sharkey said. “Public health is one of the top responsibilities of government, and with the growing popularity of tattoos we need to ensure it is as safe as possible.” 

“I was shocked to learn that tattoo artists are not licensed by the state considering the high potential for disease and infection that can easily be contracted as a result of the procedure,” said Rochow, who also testified with husband Walter at a public hearing before the legislature’s Public Health Committee. 

Most other states—41 in all—already require some form of tattoo licensing, permitting or registration, including nearby Rhode Island and Maine as well as mammoth states California and Florida. Connecticut law currently only calls for tattoo artists to be “supervised” by a physician who is supposed to be available in case of emergency.

The legislation replaces this vague framework with a specific licensing process for the estimated 200-plus tattoo artists now practicing in the state, and includes a first aid, blood borne pathogen, and communicable disease course and exam. Practicing without a license would become a class D misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment and/or up to a $250 fine.    

“This will help professionalize the industry and ensure the public that certain standards are being met, while holding those who do not meet these standards accountable,” Sharkey said. “Many of the best ideas come from our constituents, and I thank Myra Rochow for wanting to get involved in a way that can help protect thousands of residents.”   

Some of the health risks from tattooing include allergic reactions from the colored dyes, skin infection and blood borne disease. According to QVHD Director of Health Leslie Balch of particular concern are the cross transmission of pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C to and from artist and client.  

The legislation, which was previously approved unanimously by the Public Health, Judiciary, and Finance committees, now moves to the Senate for consideration. For more background watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLO4Sx3BFGM