1 of 1
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1117 FILED ON: 1/18/2023
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 247
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Bruce J. Ayers
_________________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act regulating body art.
_______________
PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Bruce J. Ayers1st Norfolk1/18/2023 1 of 45
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1117 FILED ON: 1/18/2023
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 247
By Representative Ayers of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 247) of Bruce J.
Ayers for legislation to prohibit the practice of body piercing, so-called, unless licensed by the
Department of Public Health. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 308 OF 2021-2022.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
_______________
An Act regulating body art.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 SECTION 1. The General Laws are hereby amended by inserting after chapter 111N the
2following chapter:-
3 111O. Regulation of Body Art
4 Section 1. As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following
5meanings:
6 "Aftercare instructions", written instructions, approved by the department, given to a
7person upon whom body art has been performed, specific to the body art procedure rendered or
8performed, concerning the proper care to be given to the area of the body upon which the body
9art has been performed and concerning the surrounding area of the body. 2 of 45
10 "Antiseptic", an agent that destroys disease-causing microorganisms on human skin or
11mucosa.
12 "Apprentice License", license authorized by the department to a person qualified to enter
13the body art practitioner license apprenticeship program.
14 "Autoclave", an apparatus for sterilization utilizing steam pressure at specific temperature
15over a designated period of time.
16 "Autoclaving", the process that results in the destruction of all forms of microbial life,
17including highly resistant bacterial spores, by the use of an autoclave for a minimum of 30
18minutes at 17 pounds of pressure PSI, at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
19 "Body art", the practice of physical body adornment, alteration or modification by means
20including, but not limited to, piercing, tattooing, branding, braiding, beading, implantation or
21scarring.
22 "Body art establishment", any facility that has been inspected and approved by the
23department for use in conducting of body art and for which a current permit is issued by the
24department in accordance with this chapter.
25 "Body piercing", the form of body art requiring or consisting of the puncturing or
26penetration of the skin or of a membrane of a person for the purpose of the temporary or
27permanent placement or insertion of jewelry or other adornment or device therein.
28 "Braiding", the form of body art requiring or consisting of the cutting of strips of skin of
29a person, which strips are then to be intertwined with one another and placed onto such person so 3 of 45
30as to cause or allow the incised and interwoven strips of skin to heal in such intertwined
31condition.
32 "Branding", the form of body art consisting of or requiring the inducement of a burn that
33results in the scarring of the skin of a person by means of the use of a heated instrument or
34object.
35 "Cleaning area", the area in a body art establishment used in the sterilization, sanitation
36or other cleaning of instruments or other equipment used for the practice of body art.
37 "Contaminated or contamination", the presence of or a reasonable possibility of the
38presence of blood, bodily fluids, infectious or potentially infectious matter on an inanimate
39object.
40 "Contaminated waste", any liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious
41material; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious material in
42a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed; items on which there is dried blood or other
43potentially infectious material and which are capable of releasing these materials during
44handling; sharps and any wastes containing blood or other potentially infectious materials, as
45defined in 29 CFR 1910:1030, 105 CMR 480.000 et seq, or in this chapter.
46 "Cosmetic tattooing", "permanent cosmetics", "micro pigment implantation" or "dermal
47pigmentation", the form of body art requiring the implantation of permanent pigment around the
48eyes, lips and cheeks of the face and hair imitation.
49 "Customer or client", a person upon whom one or more forms of body art is to be
50performed, and shall include a minor client. 4 of 45
51 "Customer waiting area", the area in a body art establishment for use and occupation by
52persons and clients prior to and after the conduct of body art.
53 "Department", the department of public health.
54 "Disinfect", the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms using a liquid chemical
55germicide.
56 "Disinfectant", liquid chemical germicide.
57 "Dermis", the deeper, thicker portion on the skin lying beneath the epidermis, including
58the subcutaneous layer.
59 "Ear piercing" the puncturing of the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear using a pre-
60sterilized single use stud and clasp ear piercing system following manufacturer instructions.
61 "Epidermis", the outer layer of skin which is composed of 4 recognizable layers of cells
62usually a total of about 0.1 mm thick.
63 "Equipment", all machinery, fixtures, containers, vessels, tools, devices, implements,
64furniture, display cases, storage units, sinks, and all other apparatus and appurtenances used in
65connection with the operation of a body art establishment.
66 "Exposure", an event whereby there is an eye, mouth or other mucous membrane, non-
67intact skin or parenteral contact with the blood or bodily fluids of another person or contact of an
68eye, mouth or other mucous membrane, non-intact skin or parenteral contact with other
69potentially infectious matter. 5 of 45
70 "Exposure control plan", a plan drafted by an operator pursuant to the requirements of the
71United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration to eliminate or minimize the
72potential for an exposure.
73 "Exposure incident report", a written report detailing the circumstances of an exposure.
74 "Germicide or germicidal solution", liquid chemical germicide.
75 "Hand sink", a sink supplied with hot and cold potable water under pressure used solely
76for washing hands, arms, or other portions of the body.
77 "Hot water", water which is heated to attain and maintain a temperature of between 110
78degrees and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
79 "Infectious waste", contaminated waste.
80 “Ink”, “Dye” or “Pigment”, the metal or salt-based substance injected into the
81subcutaneous portion of the skin in the act or process of creating a tattoo.
82 "Instrument" or "Instrument used for body art", those hand pieces, needles, needle bars
83and other instruments that may come in contact with a client's body or possible exposure to
84bodily fluids during body art procedures.
85 "Instrument sink", a sink used exclusively for the cleaning of instruments.
86 "Instrument storage area", the area in a body art establishment used for the storage of
87linens, equipment and instruments used for body art. 6 of 45
88 "Invasive", a procedure causing entry into the body either by incision or by the insertion
89of an instrument into or through the skin or mucosa, or by any other means intended to puncture,
90break or compromise the skin or mucosa.
91 “Janitorial sink”, a sink of adequate size equipped with hot and cold water under pressure
92so as to permit the cleaning of the body art establishment and any equipment used for cleaning.
93 "Jewelry", any device or adornment inserted into a pierced or incised area or portion of
94the body.
95 "Light-colored", a light reflectance value of 70 per cent or greater.
96 "Liquid chemical germicide", a substance registered with the United States
97Environmental Protection Agency for use in the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms or an
98approximate 1:100 dilution of household chlorine bleach in clean water mixed fresh daily.
99 "Minor" or "minor client", a person of less that 18 years of age as of that person's last
100birth date.
101 "Mobile body art establishment", any trailer, truck, car, van, camper or other motorized
102or non-motorized vehicle, a shed, tent, movable structure, bar, home or other facility wherein, or
103concert, fair, party or other event whereat one desires to or actually does conduct body art
104procedures, excepting only a licensed body art establishment.
105 "Operator", any person alone or jointly with other persons who owns, controls, operates
106or manages a body art establishment.
107 "Parenteral", the invasion of the skin barrier or mucous membranes. 7 of 45
108 "Permit", a document issued by the department pursuant to this chapter authorizing the
109use of a facility for the conducting of body art.
110 "Physician", a person licensed by the commonwealth in accordance with section 2 of
111chapter 112.
112 "Practitioner", a person who has received a license to perform body art by the department
113pursuant to this chapter.
114 "Practitioner License", license issued by the department to a person qualified to engage in
115the practice of body art in accordance with this chapter.
116 "Procedure surface", any surface of an inanimate object that contacts an unclothed part of
117a person upon whom body art is to be performed.
118 "Prohibited forms of body art" means those forms of body art prohibited under this
119chapter and set forth in section 56.
120 "Sanitize", the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface to a safe
121level using a liquid chemical germicide.
122 "Sanitizer", liquid chemical germicide.
123 "Scarification", a form of body art that requires the use of an instrument to cut a design
124into the skin to produce a scar.
125 "Sharps", any object (sterile or not) that may purposefully or accidentally cut or penetrate
126the skin or mucosa of a person including, but not limited to, needles, scalpel blades, razor blades
127and lancets. 8 of 45
128 "Sharp's container", a puncture-resistant, leak-proof container that can be closed for
129handling, storage, transportation or disposal and is labeled with the international biohazard
130symbol.
131 "Single-use", products or items that are intended for one-time, one-person use and are to
132be disposed of after such use including, but not limited to, cotton swabs or balls, tissues or paper
133products, paper or plastic cups, gauze and sanitary coverings, razors, piercing needles, scalpel
134blades, stencils, ink cups and protective gloves.
135 "Sterilization unit", a unit designed to and which is effective at killing all
136microorganisms, including bacterial spores and which is approved by the department for use for
137sterilization in a body art establishment.
138 "Sterilize", to effectively kill all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
139 "Tattoo", the form of body art consisting of the injection of ink, dye or other medium to
140form or create an indelible mark, figure or decorative design in the subcutaneous portion of the
141skin.
142 "Tattooing", the act or process of creating a tattoo.
143 "Tattoo gun", an electric, vertically vibrating tool used for tattooing.
144 "Temporary body art establishment", mobile body art establishment.
145 "Three dimensional body art" or "Beading" or "Implantation", the form of body art
146consisting of or requiring the placement, injection or insertion of an object, device or other thing
147made of matters such as steel, titanium, rubber, latex, plastic, glass or other inert materials,
148beneath the surface of the skin of a person, not including body piercing. 9 of 45
149 "Ultrasonic cleaning unit", a unit approved by the department and physically large
150enough to fully submerge instruments in liquid, which unit removes all foreign matter from the
151instruments by means of high frequency oscillations transmitted through the contained liquid.
152 "Universal precautions" or "Standard precautions", the set of guidelines and controls,
153published by the Center for Disease Control as "guidelines for prevention of transmission of
154human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus to health-care and public-safety workers"
155in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) June 23,
1561989, Vol. 38, NO. S-6, and as "recommendations for preventing transmission of human
157immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus to patients during exposure-prone invasive
158procedures" in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report July 12, 1991, Vol. 40, No. RR-8, each
159as amended or updated. This method of infection control requires the employer and the employee
160to assume that all human blood and specified human body fluids are infectious for HIV, HBV
161and other blood pathogens. Precautions include hand washing, gloving, personal protective
162equipment, injury prevention, and proper handling and disposal of needles, other sharp
163instruments, and blood and body fluid contaminated products.
164 "Workstation", an area within a body art facility designated for use in the conducting of
165body art.
166 Section 2. (a) No person shall conduct any form of body art unless such person holds a
167valid practitioner license issued by the department pursuant to this chapter.
168 (b) No person shall establish a facility for the conduct of a business consisting of or
169including the performance of one or more forms of body art upon the person of another without a 10 of 45
170valid permit to operate such facility as a venue within which to conduct body art issued by the
171department in accordance with this chapter.
172 (c) The following persons are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
173 (i) physicians who practice body art as a part of patient treatment; provided, however,
174that such body art is performed in a medically acceptable manner; and
175 (ii) individuals who pierce only the lobe of the ear with a pre-sterilized, single-use stud
176and clasp ear piercing system without the use of a so-called piercing gun.
177 (d) The requirements of this chapter to obtain a practitioner license and a body art facility
178permit are separate from and in addition to the requirements of section 5 of chapter 110. An
179applicant for a body art establishment permit shall comply with the requirements section 5 of
180chapter 110. Prior to the issuance of a body art establishment permit an applicant therefore shall
181demonstrate to the department compliance therewith by way of presentment to the department
182the original of the business certificate issued by the city clerk pursuant to section 5 of chapter
183110.
184 Section 3. (a) A person seeking registration under this chapter so as to obtain a
185practitioner license shall submit a completed application provided by the department and shall
186pay a fee of $250. A practitioner license shall be valid for no more than 1 year. The department
187may renew a practitioner license under this chapter and each applicant for such renewal shall pay
188a renewal fee of $250. All practitioner licenses shall expire on December 31 of the year of
189issuance. 11 of 45
190 (b) An applicant for a practitioner license shall demonstrate to the department his or her
191successful compliance with all training, disclosure, consent and educational requirements of this
192chapter relative to the form of body art for which such applicant seeks a practitioner license prior
193to the issuance or renewal of a practitioner license by the department.
194 (c) An applicant for a practitioner license shall provide to the department, and shall
195provide to the owner of any body art establishment in which the applicant intends to perform or
196in which he does perform body art, valid documentation of his hepatitis B virus (HBV)
197vaccination status stating:
198 (i) Certification of completed vaccination;
199 (ii) Laboratory evidence of immunity;
200 (iii) Documentation stating the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons.
201Contraindication requires a dated and signed licensed health care professional's statement
202specifying the name of the practitioner license applicant employee and that the vaccine cannot be
203given; or,
204 (iv) Certificate of vaccination declination of HBV, i.e. for medical or religious reasons as
205provided in section 15 of chapter 76.
206 Section 4. A body art practitioner shall maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness,
207conform to hygienic practices and wear clean clothes when conducting body art. If the clothes of
208a body art practitioner are or become contaminated, clean clothing shall be donned prior to
209commencement of any further body art. 12 of 45
210 Section 5. (a) Every applicant for a practitioner license or a renewal of a practitioner
211license, in order to be qualified for such license, shall provide to the department evidence of
212satisfaction of the following minimal training requirements:
213 (i) For a practitioner license enabling one to perform body piercing, the completion of a
214complete course in anatomy and physiology, (i.e. anatomy and physiology I and II) with a grade
215of C or better at a college accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges,
216or comparable accrediting entity. This course work shall include instruction on the systems of the
217integumentary system (skin).
218 (ii) For a practitioner license that enables one to perform tattooing, branding and
219scarification, but not body piercing, the successful completion of a complete course in anatomy
220and physiology, (i.e. anatomy and physiology I and II) with a grade of C or better at a college
221accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or comparable accrediting
222entity. This course work shall include instruction on the systems of the integumentary system.
223Such other course or program as the department shall deem appropriate and acceptable may be
224substituted for the course in anatomy and physiology otherwise required of an applicant for a
225practitioner license that enables one to perform tattooing, branding and scarification, but not
226body piercing.
227 (iii) For all body art practitioners, the successful completion of a course on prevention of
228disease transmission and blood borne pathogens taught by an instructor trained and sufficiently
229knowledgeable to teach this OSHA course. Such knowledge shall include the requirements of 29
230CFR 190.1030. 13 of 45
231 (iv) For all body art practitioners, current certification in American Red Cross basic first
232aid or its equivalent and advanced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
233 (v) Evidence satisfactory to the department of at least 2 years actual experience in the
234practice of performing body art of the kind for which the applicant seeks a practitioner license to
235perform, whether such experience was obtained within or outside of the commonwealth, or
236evidence of a completed apprenticeship program as approved by the commonwealth or the
237department, with instruction in the kind of body art for which the applicant seeks a practitioner
238license to perform.
239 (b) Any course taken by an applicant to fulfill the requirements set forth in this chapter
240concerning exposure control and blood borne pathogen training shall meet the requirements of
24129 CFR 1910.1030 et seq, as amended from time to time, and, at a minimum, shall provide
242instruction in the following subject matter:
243 (i) A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of blood borne diseases and
244all communicable diseases potentially transmitted through body art;
245 (ii) An explanation of the modes of transmission of blood borne pathogens and other
246communicable diseases potentially transmitted through body art;
247 (iii) An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities
248that may involve exposure to blood for the body art practitioner or the client or recipient;
249 (iv) An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce
250exposure to the body art practitioner and the client or recipient of blood borne pathogens and
251other communicable diseases; 14 of 45
252
253 (v) Information on different types, proper use, and removal of gloves and proper hand
254washing techniques;
255 (vi) Information on the proper selection and use of autoclaveants and antiseptics;
256 (vii) Information on the HBV vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety,
257method of administration, and the benefits of vaccination against HBV;
258 (viii) An explanation of what constitutes an exposure incident, the risk of disease
259transmission following an exposure incident, and the options for post-exposure evaluation and
260follow-up if an exposure incident occurs involving blood borne pathogens; and,
261 (ix) An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the instructor of the
262training session.
263 Upon conclusion of a course as describe above, an examination based on the information
264covered in the course shall be administered to each attendee of the course by the entity
265administering the course, with documentation of the results for each attendee provided to him or
266her. The practitioner license applicant shall provide the results of such examination to the
267department.
268 Section 6. An applicant for a practitioner license shall sign a statement provided by the
269department consenting to and agreeing to abide by all of the provisions of this chapter.
270 Section 7. (a) If an applicant for a practitioner license demonstrates compliance with
271clause (i) of subsection (a) of section 5 and all other provisions of this chapter, excepting only
272clause (ii) of subsection (a) of section 5, than the department is hereby authorized to issue a 15 of 45
273practitioner license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter which authorizes the applicant to
274conduct body art consisting only of body piercing.
275 (b) If an applicant for a practitioner license does not demonstrate compliance with clause
276(i) of subsection (a) of section 5, but does demonstrate compliance with clause (ii) of subsection
277(a) of section 5 and with all other provisions of this chapter, than the department is hereby
278authorized to issue a practitioner license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that authorizes
279the applicant to conduct body art consisting only of tattooing, branding and scarification.
280 Section 8. (a) A body art practitioner shall only perform those forms of body art for
281which he or she holds a practitioner license issued by the department.
282 (b) A body art practitioner shall only conduct body art within a facility with a current
283body art establishment permit, and which establishment is in compliance with all provisions of
284this chapter. No body art practitioner shall conduct any form of body art in a mobile or
285temporary body art establishment or establish or operate a mobile or temporary body art
286establishment.
287 Section 9. A body art practitioner or an operator shall post in an area of the body art
288establishment accessible to the department and to clients the original of the current practitioner
289license of the body art practitioner.
290 Section 10. A body art practitioner shall not conduct any form of body art while under the
291influence of alcohol or drugs.
292 Section 11. A body art practitioner shall not:
293 (i) Tattoo a minor client; 16 of 45
294 (ii) Brand a minor client;
295 (iii) Scar or perform scarification upon a minor client;
296 (iv) Pierce the genitalia of a minor client;
297 (v) Pierce a client under 14 years of age with the exception of ear piercing; or
298 (vi) Perform or engage in any of the activities prohibited under section 56.
299 Section 12. A body art practitioner shall only conduct body art under sterile conditions.
300 Section 13. The skin of a body art practitioner shall be free of rash, any lesion or visible
301sign of infection. A body art practitioner shall not conduct any form of body art upon any area of
302a client that evidences the presence of any rash, lesion or visible sign of infection.
303 The skin area or mucosa of a client to receive any form of body art shall be free of rash,
304any lesion or from any visible sign of infection.
305 Section 14. (a)The department shall establish a practitioner license apprenticeship
306program requiring that all participants in such program adhere to and abide by all relevant
307provisions of this chapter excepting only section 5.
308 (b) As a minimum requirement of the practitioner license apprenticeship program
309established by the department, the department shall require that each participant in such program
310shall be required to complete the requirements in clauses (i) through (iv) of subsection (a) of
311section 5 and subsection (b) of section 5 prior to a participant in such program conducting any
312form of body art upon a client or the person of another. 17 of 45
313 (c) The department is hereby authorized to issue an apprentice license to participants in
314the practitioner license apprenticeship program provided each such participant qualifies for the
315same pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the practitioner license apprenticeship
316program.
317 (d) Before a person acting under an apprentice license conducts any form of body art
318upon a client, that client shall be advised that the person to conduct such body art is in fact an
319apprentice and is acting only under an apprentice license.
320 (e) Before a person acting under an apprentice license conducts any form of body art
321upon a client, such person shall obtain the client's written consent. This written consent shall be
322physically affixed to the application and consent form for body art required pursuant to section
32315 and such written consent shall be maintained therewith.
324 Section 15. Every client shall complete an application and consent form approved by the
325department prior to having any body art performed upon or to their body.
326 Every application and consent form shall contain a minimum of the following:
327 (i) General information regarding body art, including, at a minimum, the following
328statements:
329 (a) Tattoos should be considered permanent; and
330 (b) The removal of tattoos and scars would require surgery or other medical procedure
331that may result in scarring or additional scarring of the skin;
332 (ii) Information as to the side effects of body art, including, but not limited to,
333hypertrophic scarring, possible adverse reaction to ink, dye or pigment, possible change in color 18 of 45
334of ink, dye or pigment over time, a decreased ability of physician to locate skin melanoma in
335regions concealed by tattoos, brands, scars and other forms of body art, possible nerve damage,
336febrile illness, tetanus, systemic infection, and keloid formation;
337 (iii) Client information, including the name, type of body art being performed, age and
338valid identification; provided, however, that in the case of a minor client, the parent's or legal
339guardian's name, proof of parentage or legal guardianship through a copy of a birth certificate or
340court order of guardianship respectively, or a notarized document signed by the parent or legal
341guardian attesting to the parent's or legal guardian's relationship to the minor client, and the
342consent to the conduct of the contemplated body art upon the minor client;
343 (iv) Instructions requiring the client to adhere to the exposure control plan as such plan
344relates to the client's conduct in the body art establishment;
345 (v) The address and phone number of the department and instructions for the client, or in
346the case of a minor client, the minor client and his or her parent or legal guardian, to contact the
347department with any questions or concerns regarding safety, sanitization or sterilization
348procedures;
349 (vi) The name of the body art practitioner who is to conduct the body art upon the client
350or minor client and that practitioner's department registration number;
351 (vii) The manufacturer codes, if any, the identity of the manufacturer, and lot numbers of
352any ink, dye or pigment to be used in the body art;
353 (viii) Signature of client; provided, however, that in the case of a minor client, a parent or
354legal guardian shall sign the consent form in the presence of the body art practitioner; 19 of 45
355 (ix) The signature of body art practitioner;
356 (x) The date of all signatures; and,
357 (xi) The date of the body art procedure, including a daily estimate of progress for the
358conduct of body art requiring multiple days to complete.
359 Section 16. (a) A client shall inform the body art practitioner of any known chronic
360medical or communicable conditions, including, but not limited to diabetes; history of
361hemophilia or bleeding; history of skin disease, skin lesions or skin sensitivities to soap,
362disinfectants, etc.; history of allergies or adverse reactions to pigments or dyes or other skin
363sensitivities; history of epilepsy, seizures, fainting or narcolepsy; the taking of medications such
364as aspirin or other anticoagulants, which thin the blood or interfere with blood clotting; or a
365history of or suspicion of adverse reaction to latex or products containing latex.
366 (b) A client shall inform the body art practitioner of a known pregnancy or possibility of
367pregnancy.
368 (c) The body art practitioner shall require the client to sign a release form confirming that
369the above information was obtained or attempted to be obtained and the client refused to disclose
370the same.
371 Section 17. No person shall receive any form of body art activity who is under the
372influence of drugs or alcohol.
373 Section 18. All clients shall obtain, read and follow aftercare instructions appropriate for
374the form of body art conducted upon such person. 20 of 45
375 Aftercare Instructions shall be approved by the department and shall include, at a
376minimum the following:
377 (i) Responsibilities and proper care following the procedure;
378 (ii) Restrictions, if any, upon the client;
379 (iii) Signs and symptoms of infection; and,
380 (iv) Instructions to contact a physician if possible signs of infection occur.
381 Section 19. (a) No minor client shall receive a tattoo, be branded, be scarred, or have his
382or her genitalia pierced.
383 (b) No body art practitioner shall pierce the genitalia of a minor child.
384 (c) No client under fourteen years of age shall be pierced with the sole exception of ear
385piercing.
386 Section 20. A person seeking registration under this chapter so as to obtain a body art
387establishment permit shall submit a completed application provided by the department and shall
388pay a fee of $250. A body art establishment permit shall be valid for no more than one year. The
389department may renew a body art establishment permit under this chapter and each applicant for
390such renewal shall pay to the a renewal fee of $250. All body art establishment permits shall
391expire on December 31 of the year of issuance.
392 Section 21. The operation of a body art establishment or the conduct of any body art
393under a practitioner license therein shall not occur before 9:00 a.m. nor after 9:00 p.m. Sunday
394through Thursday and nor before 9:00 a.m. nor after 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 21 of 45
395 Section 22. Every operator or applicant for a body art establishment permit shall submit
396to the department scaled plans and specifications of the proposed facility wherein any body art is
397intended to be conducted demonstrating the compliance of the facility with this chapter. The
398department may require an on-sight inspection of the proposed facility to determine and ensure
399compliance with the requirements of this chapter prior to the issuance by the department of a
400body art establishment permit pursuant to this chapter.
401 Section 23. (a) Each body art establishment shall have at least 1 workstation.
402 (b) Every workstation shall have a minimum of 60 square feet.
403 (c) The area within each workstation shall be completely screened from view from any
404person outside such workstation.
405 (d) A workstation shall be used for no other purpose.
406 (e) Each workstation shall be separated from any other area of the body art facility,
407including other workstations within such body art facility, by a wall or other solid barrier
408extending from the floor to a minimum height of 8 feet.
409 (f) A workstation shall be maintained in a clean and sterile condition.
410 Section 24. (a) Every body art establishment shall have therein a cleaning area. Every
411cleaning area shall have an area for the placement and use of an autoclave or other sterilization
412unit located or positioned so as to be a minimum of 36 inches from a required ultrasonic cleaning
413unit.
414 (b) Every body art establishment shall have therein an instrument storage area exclusive
415of the cleaning area. The instrument storage area shall be equipped with cabinets for the storage 22 of 45
416of all instruments and equipment. The required cabinets shall be located a sufficient distance
417from the cleaning area so as to prevent contamination of the instruments and equipment stored
418therein.
419 (c) Every body art establishment shall have therein a customer waiting area exclusive of
420and separate from any workstation, instrument storage area or cleaning area.
421 Section 25. Every workstation, instrument storage area, toilet room, and cleaning area
422shall be constructed and maintained as follows so as to provide a durable, smooth, nonabsorbent
423and washable surface:
424 (i) Floors shall be constructed of commercially rated continuous sheet vinyl, smooth
425sealed cement, ceramic tile with sealed grout, or other similar materials approved by the
426department and shall be maintained in good repair free of any holes or cracks;
427 (ii) Walls shall be covered with a semi-gloss or gloss enamel paint, or constructed of
428fiberglass reinforced panel, ceramic tile with sealed grout or other similar materials approved by
429the department and shall be maintained in good repair free of any holes or cracks;
430 (iii) Ceilings shall be covered with semi-gloss or gloss enamel paint, or approved
431commercially rated panels or tiles and maintained in good repair free of any holes, cracks or
432falling matter.
433 All such floors, walls and ceilings shall be light-colored.
434 Section 26. All electrical wiring shall be installed and maintained in accordance with
435state and local wiring codes. 23 of 45
436 All electrical outlets in all workstations and cleaning areas shall be equipped with
437approved ground fault protected receptacles.
438 Section 27. Every workstation shall be well ventilated and have a minimum light service
439maintained at all times during the conducting of body art at an equivalent of not less than 20 foot
440candles as measured 36 inches above the floor, except that a minimum of 100 foot candles shall
441be provided on the area of the client's body subject to the conduct of body art, in any area where
442instruments or sharps are assembled, and all cleaning areas.
443 Every workstation, cleaning area and every area in a body art establishment where linens,
444instruments, sharps or other equipment are exposed, sanitized or sterilized shall be equipped
445exclusively with readily cleanable light fixtures with light bulbs, lenses or globes made of
446shatterproof material.
447 Section 28. (a) All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with
448local plumbing codes.
449 (b) To the extent permitted by applicable federal, state and local laws, all liquid wastes
450shall be discharged through the plumbing system into the public sewerage system or into a
451department-approved private sewage disposal system.
452 (c) An adequate pressurized potable water supply shall be provided to every body art
453establishment.
454 (d) The public water supply entering a body art establishment shall be protected by a
455testable, reduced pressure back flow preventor installed in accordance with 142 CMR 248, as
456amended from time to time. 24 of 45
457 Section 29. (a) Every body art establishment shall provide toilet rooms with adequate
458lighting and ventilation to the outside for use by employees and clients, which shall be available
459to clients during business hours. The number and construction of toilet rooms shall be in
460accordance with local building and plumbing codes. Every water closet or toilet stall shall be
461enclosed and have a well-fitting, self-closing door. An adequate supply of toilet tissue shall be
462provided in a permanently installed dispenser in each water closet or toilet stall. Toilet rooms
463shall not be used for the storage of instruments or other supplies used for body art.
464 (b) A body art establishment permanently located within a retail shopping center, or
465similar setting housing multiple operations within 1 enclosed structure having shared entrance
466and exit points, shall not be required to provide a separate toilet room within such body art
467establishment if department-approved toilet facilities are located in the retail shopping center
468within 300 feet of the body art establishment so as to be readily accessible to any client or body
469art practitioner.
470 (c) A hand sink shall be provided within or adjacent to any toilet room and in each
471workstation. Every hand sink shall be equipped with an adequate supply of hot and cold water
472under pressure with fixtures to allow for washing of hands, liquid hand cleanser, single-use
473sanitary towels in devices for dispensing, and a waste container of washable construction. A
474hand sink shall not be used as a janitorial sink.
475 (d) At least 1 janitorial sink shall be provided in every body art establishment for use in
476cleaning the body art establishment and proper disposal of liquid wastes in accordance with all
477applicable federal, state and local laws. 25 of 45
478 (e) Every cleaning area shall have an instrument sink. Every instrument sink shall be of
479adequate size and equipped with hot and cold water under pressure so as to permit the cleaning
480of instruments.
481 (f) Every toilet room, all plumbing and all plumbing fixtures shall be kept clean, fully
482operative, and in good repair.
483 Section 30. Each operator shall create, update as needed, and comply with an exposure
484control plan.
485 The exposure control plan for a body art establishment shall be submitted by the operator
486to the department for review so as to meet all of the requirements of OSHA regulations, to
487include, but not limited to 29 CFR 1910.1030 et seq, as amended from time to time.
488 A copy of the body art establishment's exposure control plan shall be maintained at the
489body art establishment at all times and shall be made available to the department upon request.
490 Section 31. A body art establishment shall be required to have a telephone in good
491working order and easily accessible to all employees and clients during all hours of operation for
492the purpose of contacting police, fire or emergency medical assistance or ambulance services in
493the event of an emergency or perceived emergency. A legible sign shall be posted at or adjacent
494to the telephone indicating the correct emergency telephone numbers and the number of the
495department.
496 Section 32. No operator shall permit the use of a body art establishment:
497 (i) For the sale of food or beverages, whether to be consumed at the body art
498establishment or off-site; 26 of 45
499 (ii) As a barbershop or hair salon;
500 (iii) As a nail salon;
501 (iv) As a bar, with or without a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages;
502 (v) As a bowling alley;
503 (vi) For human habitation;
504 (vii) As a tanning salon;
505 (viii) As a massage parlor; or
506 (ix) For any other use which, in the opinion of the department, may cause the
507contamination of instruments, equipment, a procedure surface or workstation.
508 Section 33. If an applicant for a body art establishment permit demonstrates to the
509department compliance with this chapter, the department is hereby authorized to issue a body art
510establishment permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
511 Section 34. The operator of a body art establishment shall post in an area of the body art
512establishment accessible to the department and to clients the original of the current body art
513establishment permit issued by the department.
514 Section 35. No person affected with boils, infected wounds, open sores, abrasions,
515weeping dermatological lesions or acute respiratory infection shall work in any area of, or in any
516capacity in, a body art establishment which would create a likelihood that that person could
517contaminate equipment, instruments, supplies, procedure surfaces, workstations or other 27 of 45
518otherwise compromise or could reasonably be expected to compromise the sterility of the body
519art establishment with body substances or pathogenic organisms.
520 Section 36. The procedure surface and the surface of all furniture and counter tops
521located in a workstation, instrument storage area and cleaning area shall be made of materials
522that are, or shall be treated so as to be, smooth, non-absorbent, non-porous, easily cleanable and
523able to withstand repeated cleaning and disinfecting. Such surfaces shall be maintained in a good
524condition free from holes and cracks.
525 Section 37. (a) Every body art establishment shall have at a minimum the following:
526 (i) One or more ultrasonic cleaning units sold for cleaning purposes under approval of the
527United States Food and Drug Administration. Every ultrasonic cleaning unit shall be clearly
528labeled "biohazardous" and shall be installed or placed in the cleaning area at a minimum
529distance of 36 inches from the required autoclave or other sterilization unit.
530 (ii) One or more autoclave or other sterilization unit sold for medical sterilization
531purposes under approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration; and,
532 (b) Every operator and body art practitioner shall be knowledgeable in the required
533washing, cleaning and sterilization procedures including the proper operation of the ultrasonic
534cleaning unit and autoclave or other sterilization unit.
535 Section 38. Every workstation shall have a foot-operated, covered, cleanable, waste
536receptacle for disposal of trash and other debris.
537 Every workstation shall have an approved sharps container exclusively used for the
538disposal of contaminated waste. 28 of 45
539 Section 39. (a) Every body art establishment or body art practitioner shall maintain an
540adequate supply of reusable, launderable linens or single-use linens, such as drapes, lap cloths
541and aprons, to be used in conducting body art.
542 (b) If used in body art, rotary pens, also known as cosmetic machines, shall have
543detachable, disposable, sterile combo couplers and shall have detachable, disposable casings or
544casings designed and manufactured to be easily cleaned and sterilized.
545 (c) All inks, dyes and pigments used to alter the color of skin in the conduct of body art
546shall be specifically manufactured for such purpose, approved, properly labeled as to its
547ingredients, manufacturer and lot number in accordance with applicable United States Food and
548Drug Administration requirements, and shall not be contaminated or adulterated. The mixing of
549such inks, dyes or pigments or the dilution of the same with potable sterile water is acceptable,
550unless prohibited or not recommended by the product manufacturer.
551 Inks, dyes and pigments prepared by or at the direction of a body art practitioner for use
552in body art shall be made exclusively of non-toxic and non-contaminated ingredients approved
553by the department or the United States Food and Drug Administration.
554 (d) Equipment, instruments and supplies intended for single-use shall not be used more
555that one time.
556 Section 40. Jewelry shall be sterilized, free from polishing compounds, free from nicks,
557scratches, burrs or irregular surface conditions. Jewelry of 16 gage girth or thicker shall not have
558raised external threads or threading. Jewelry shall be in good condition, designed and
559manufactured for insertion into the intended body part of the client. 29 of 45
560 The use of previously worn jewelry or jewelry brought into the body art establishment by
561the client or another is prohibited.
562 Only jewelry manufactured of surgical implant stainless steel of American Society for
563Testing and Material Standards grade F138, surgical implant solid 14K or 18K white or yellow
564gold, niobium, surgical implant titanium of Ti6A4V ELI, American Society for Testing and
565Material Standards F-136-98, platinum or other materials considered by the department to be
566equally bio-compatible and capable of adequate cleaning and sterilization shall be inserted into a
567client.
568 Section 41. No operator, body art practitioner or other person shall utilize or have
569available in a body art establishment any:
570 (i) Instruments or materials, such as styptic pencils or devices, alum, or any similar
571material, used to check the flow of blood;
572 (ii) Liquid sterilants for the attempted sterilization of any re-usable instrument or
573component;
574 (iii) Rotary pens that are designed or manufactured with a sponge type material at the
575opening of the chamber for the purpose of prohibiting the backflow of pigment and body fluid
576into the machine;
577 (iv) Multiple-use instruments or components that are designed in such a manner that
578restrict or prevent proper washing, cleaning or sterilization;
579 (v) Drugs, chemicals or agents that require a licensed medical practitioner's authorization
580for use, application or dispensation; 30 of 45
581 (vi) Suturing kits or suturing devices, scalpels, cauterizing tools or devices, or other tools,
582devices or instruments used for or in conjunction with any prohibited body art, and not otherwise
583properly used for any allowed body art;
584 (vii) Piercing needles or piercing tapers for the sale or use by one not a body art
585practitioner; or
586 (viii) Needles used in the practice of play piercing.
587 Section 42. No body art practitioner shall conduct any form of body art upon an animal.
588 No animal, except one actually serving as any guide animal, signal animal or service
589animal accompanied by a totally or partially blind person or deaf person or a person whose
590hearing is impaired or handicapped person, shall be allowed in a body art establishment.
591 Section 43. No person shall smoke, or otherwise use any form of tobacco, eat or drink at
592or in a workstation, instrument storage area or cleaning area. Only in the case of medical need
593may fluids be consumed by a client.
594 Section 44. (a) Except as set forth in these regulations, no operator, body art practitioner
595or other person shall deliberately expose any client or person to disease or illness or otherwise
596knowingly contaminate any instrument or area in a body art establishment without then
597sterilizing the instrument or area.
598 (b) An exposure incident report shall be completed by the close of the business day
599during which an exposure has or might have taken place by the involved or knowledgeable body
600art practitioner for every exposure incident occurring in the conduct of any body art. Each
601exposure incident report shall contain: 31 of 45
602 (i) A copy of the application and consent form for body art completed by any client or
603minor client involved in the exposure incident;
604 (ii) A full description of the exposure incident, including the portion of the body involved
605therein;
606 (iii) The name or description of any instrument or other equipment implicated;
607 (iv) A copy of the practitioner license of the involved body art practitioner.
608 (v) Date and time of exposure;
609 (vi) A copy of any medical history released to the body art establishment or body art
610practitioner; and
611 (vii) Information regarding any recommendation to refer to a physician or waiver to
612consult a physician by persons involved.
613 Section 45. (a) Every operator shall have and retain at the body art establishment for
614inspection by the department the following information for the time period specified below, to be
615updated as needed to remain current:
616 (i) One copy of the exposure control plan for the body art establishment submitted to the
617department;
618 (ii) Employment records covering the last 3 years of operation that indicate the
619employee’s name, home address, home phone number, identification photograph, state
620identification card number, physical description as detailed on state identification card, date of
621birth, types of body art procedures conducted, dates of employment at the body art 32 of 45
622establishment, body art practitioner registration number, hepatitis B vaccination status or
623declination notification;
624 (iii) Body art practitioner independent operator records for the last 3 years that indicate
625the operator’s name, home address, phone number, state identification card number, physical
626description as detailed on state identification card, date of birth, types of body art procedures
627conducted, dates operating at the body art establishment, body art practitioner registration
628number, hepatitis B vaccination status or declination notification;
629 (iv) Client records for the last 2 years, which shall include copies of all application and
630consent forms for body art;
631 (v) Waste hauler manifests for contaminated waste transport and disposal over the last 3
632years;
633 (vi) Documentation for the last 3 years to verify training of exposure control plan to all
634employees and body art practitioner independent operators conducting body art at such
635establishment;
636 (vii) Commercial biological monitoring spore system test results for the last 3 years; and
637 (viii) At least 1 copy of the most current version of the text of this chapter and any state
638regulations concerning the practice of body art.
639 (b) Every operator shall have and permanently retain at the body art establishment for
640inspection by the department all exposure incident reports. The disposal or destruction of these
641reports is prohibited. 33 of 45
642 Section 46. Every area of a body art establishment shall be kept in good repair, clean and
643free of all vermin and maintained so as to prevent contamination of clients and other persons.
644 All instruments, equipment and procedure surfaces used for body art, including, but not
645limited to, devices, containers, cabinets, storage compartments, chairs, tables, counters, and
646dispensers shall be maintained clean, fully operative, and in good repair and free from
647contamination.
648 All instruments manufactured for performing any specific body art shall be so designated,
649used and approved, and shall not be modified, adulterated, contaminated or improperly used.
650Instruments used for body piercing shall be constructed of stainless surgical-grade steel, and
651designed and manufactured for such use.
652 Section 47.(a) Every contaminated reusable instrument or component thereof, including,
653but not limited to, needles, needle bars, needle tubes, needle caps, body piercing tubes, rotary
654pens, and coil machines, shall be immersed in water or other approved liquid solution in the
655cleaning area until cleaned and sterilized.
656 (b) Prior to sterilization, every such instrument shall be thoroughly washed by scrubbing
657with an appropriate disinfectant and hot water in accordance with manufacturer's instructions so
658as to remove contamination and foreign matter.
659 (c) Upon completion of the washing process as set forth in subsection (b), every such
660instrument shall be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning unit in accordance with manufacturer's
661instructions. 34 of 45
662 (d) Upon completion of the cleaning process as set forth in subsection (c), every such
663instrument shall be packaged into procedure set-up packages with color change indicators
664designed to indicate complete sterilization thereof, initials of the person responsible for
665sterilizing the instruments and date of such sterilization. Instruments may be packaged
666individually or with other instruments to the extent permitted under the package manufacturer's
667instructions.
668 (e) Upon completion of the packaging process as set forth in subsection (d), every such
669instrument shall be properly sterilized by properly autoclaving in an approved autoclave or
670sterilized in another type of sterilization unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
671 (f) If a package becomes wet, is opened or is otherwise compromised so as to allow the
672possible contamination of the contents of the package, any instrument therein shall be deemed
673contaminated and shall again be washed, cleaned, packaged and sterilized as indicated above
674prior to use.
675 (g) Sterilized instruments shall be stored in a dry, clean cabinet or tightly covered
676container. Cabinets and containers designated for the storage of sterilized instruments shall be
677used for that purpose exclusively.
678 (h) Every sterilized package shall be deemed expired 6 months after the date of
679sterilization. Every instrument therein shall again be washed, cleaned, packaged and sterilized
680consistent with the provisions of this section prior to use.
681 (i) Liquid sterilants shall not be used for the sterilization of any reusable instrument. 35 of 45
682 Section 48. (a) All instruments shall be stored in the instrument storage area in a manner
683so as to prevent contamination. Identical instruments shall be exclusively stored together, unless
684intermingled storage with different instruments does not represent a hazard as determined by the
685department.
686 (b) All germicides, disinfectants, chemicals, and cleansers shall be used according to the
687manufacturer's requirements, used only for the purpose approved and intended by the
688manufacturer and properly labeled and stored so as to prevent contamination and hazard.
689 (c) Clean linen shall be stored in a manner so as to prevent contamination. Containers
690used for the storage of such linen shall be clearly labeled as to the contents and used for no other
691purpose. Linens that have become soiled or contaminated shall be disposed of, or not be used,
692until properly laundered. Contaminated linen shall be labeled, handled, stored, transported, and
693laundered or disposed of so as to prevent hazard in a manner approved by the department.
694 Any other protective clothing, garment or cloth items worn during or used during in body
695art and intended for reuse shall be mechanically washed with detergent and dried after each use.
696The items shall be stored in a clean, dry manner and protected from contamination until used.
697Should such items become contaminated directly or indirectly with bodily fluids, the items shall
698be washed in accordance with standards applicable to hospitals and medical care facilities, at a
699temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit with the use
700of chlorine disinfectant.
701 (d) All storage containers, cabinets, shelves and other storage areas in the instrument
702storage area shall be properly labeled as to their contents, including, but not limited to,
703identification of contaminated or soiled contents as appropriate. 36 of 45
704 Section 49. Every ultrasonic cleaning unit and autoclave or sterilization unit shall be used
705and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications. Each ultrasonic cleaning unit,
706autoclave or other sterilization unit shall be emptied and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at
707least once each day that the unit is used.
708 Every autoclave or sterilization unit shall be tested with a commercial biological
709monitoring spore system test in a manner and frequency consistent with the manufacturer's
710instructions, but no less than once every week, to monitor the efficacy of the eradication of all
711living organisms, including spores, by the autoclave or other sterilization unit.
712 Biological monitoring spore system testing of the autoclave or other sterilization unit
713shall be performed by an independent commercial testing laboratory contracted by the operator
714or body art practitioner. A provision shall be included in the contact between the operator or
715body art practitioner with the commercial testing laboratory requiring the commercial testing
716facility to notify the department of any failure of the autoclave or other sterilization unit to
717eradicate all living organisms, including spores.
718 Section 50. All waste shall be removed from the body art establishment on a daily basis
719and placed in an approved secured receptacle for pickup and removal.
720 All contaminated waste in solid form and sharps, shall be disposed of through use of an
721approved waste hauler in accordance with all applicable state and federal and local laws. The
722frequency of disposal shall be determined by the department, but shall be no less than every 30
723days.
724 Section 51. (a) The conduct of body art shall occur only upon a client or minor client in a
725workstation under sterile conditions. 37 of 45
726 Only the client, a the parent or legal guardian of a minor client, the guide or service
727animal of a client, the body art practitioner conducting the body art and an assistant or apprentice
728to the body art practitioner, with the express permission of the client, shall be permitted in the
729workstation during the conduct of body art.
730 (b) All surfaces in a workstation which come in contact with a client or which become
731contaminated or which may reasonably have become contaminated shall be cleaned with water
732and soap or other appropriate cleaning compound immediately following the conduct of body art
733upon a client.
734 The workstation, including, but not limited to the client's chair, table, tray, procedure
735surface and similar surfaces shall be thoroughly sanitized with an approved disinfectant
736immediately before and immediately after the conduct of body art upon a client.
737 (c) A body art practitioner shall clean his or her hands and forearms thoroughly by
738washing with antibacterial soap and warm water and promptly dry the same with single-use
739paper towels or like material prior to conducting any body art.
740 A body art practitioner shall wear new, clean, single-use examination gloves while
741assembling all instruments and other supplies intended for use in the conduct of body art and
742during the conduct of body art upon a client. New, clean, single-use non-latex examination
743gloves shall be used during the preparation for and the conduct of any body art upon a client with
744a known or a suspected latex allergy.
745 If an examination glove is pierced, torn or contaminated through contact with any part of
746the client not subject to the conduct of body art or such other surface so as to present the
747possibility of contamination, any person other than the client, or otherwise exposed to an 38 of 45
748unsanitary or non-sterile surface, both gloves shall be promptly removed and discarded into an
749appropriate waste receptacle. The body art practitioner shall don new gloves before proceeding
750with the conduct of body art.
751 If the gloves of a body art practitioner are removed at any time during assembly of
752instruments or supplies, or the conduct of body art, the body art practitioner shall clean his or her
753hands and don new gloves in accordance with this section.
754 The use of single-use examination gloves does not preclude or substitute for the above
755hand washing requirement.
756 (d) Every body art practitioner shall use linens, properly cleaned in accordance with these
757regulations, or new single-use drapes, lap cloths, and aprons for each element of body art
758conducted upon a client.
759 Every substance used in the conduct of body art shall be dispensed from containers so as
760to prevent contamination or the possibility of contamination of the unused portion. Immediately
761before tattooing a client, a sufficient quantity of the ink, dye or pigment to be used shall be
762transferred from its original bottle or container into sterile, single-use disposable cups, caps or
763containers.
764 Upon sanitization of the workstation, the instrument tray shall be covered with an
765uncontaminated single-use paper towel, tray cover or similar material.
766 Every instrument required for the conduct of body art upon a client shall be placed and
767arranged on the instrument tray in a manner so as to prevent contamination of sterilized 39 of 45
768instruments. All sterilized instruments shall remain in sterile packages until opened in front of
769the client.
770 Sharps containers shall be easily accessible to the body art practitioner and located as
771close as is feasible to the immediate area where the sharps will be used.
772 (e) All instruments used in the conduct of body art shall be without contamination, and
773shall be properly cleaned, sanitized and sterilized in accordance with this chapter.
774 All instruments and other equipment or supplies used in the conduct of body art that are
775designed or intended for single-use shall only be used once.
776 All sharps shall be properly disposed of immediately following use in a sharps container.
777 All product applied to the skin, including body art stencils, shall be single-use and shall
778be used only once.
779 Products used in the application of body art stencils shall be dispensed and applied to the
780area of the client upon which the body art is to be performed with sterile gauze or other sterile
781applicator so as to prevent contamination of the container and contents of the product in use. The
782gause or other applicator shall be used only once.
783 Only single-use disposable razors shall be used in the conducting of body art and such
784single-use disposable razors shall not be used more than one time.
785 Section 52. Disposable items such as gloves, wipes, cotton balls, Q-tips, water cups, rinse
786cups that are used alone or in an ultrasonic cleaning unit, drapes, lap cloths, aprons and other
787single-use items that have come into contact with any person, client, workstation, instrument
788trays, counters, towels or linens used for the conduct of body art, or have otherwise become 40 of 45
789contaminated shall be promptly discarded during or upon completion of the conduct of body art
790into an appropriate waste receptacle in accordance with this chapter.
791 Section 53. The following shall be deemed to be multiple body art procedures on a single
792client, each requiring proper washing, cleaning, sanitization and sterilization of instruments,
793workstations and other equipment and areas as set forth under these regulations:
794 (i) Creating 2 or more tattoos on different areas of the body of a single client;
795 (ii) The use of more than one needle or scalpel during the conduct of body art upon a
796single client; or
797 (iii) Creating one tattoo and the use of one needle or scalpel on a single client.
798 Section 54. Cosmetic tattooing, permanent cosmetics, micro pigment implantation or
799dermal pigmentation, are all prohibited unless performed by a medical doctor licensed by the
800commonwealth or such other person that receives a license, permit or registration by the
801commonwealth specifically to perform such activities.
802 If a person obtains such a license, permit or registration from the commonwealth, such
803person may conduct such body art provided all requirements of this chapter are complied with,
804excepting only subsection (a) of section 2.
805 Section 55. The use of a piercing gun is prohibited at all times.
806 Section 56. The following body art practices are prohibited:
807 (i) Piercing of the uvula, tracheal area, neck, ankle, gums, webbed area of the hand or
808foot, lingual frenum, clitoris, anus, or eyelid; 41 of 45
809 (ii) Piercing between the ribs or vertebrae;
810 (iii) Any form of chest or deep muscle piercings, excluding piercing of a nipple;
811 (iv) The form of body piercing known as pocketing;
812 (v) Piercing or skewering of a testicle;
813 (vi) Deep piercing of the penis or trans-penis piercing in any area from the corona glandis
814to the pubic bone;
815 (vii) Piercing through the scrotum, deep piercing of the scrotum or trans-scrotal piercing;
816 (viii) Deep piercing of the vagina, including but not limited to triangles;
817 (ix) Cutting, splitting or other bifurcation of the tongue unless performed by a medical
818doctor licensed by the commonwealth;
819 (x) Braiding of the skin unless performed by a medical doctor licensed by the
820commonwealth;
821 (xi) Three dimensional body art, including beading and implantation unless performed by
822a medical doctor licensed by the commonwealth;
823 (xii) Filing, shaping or the intentional fracturing or extraction of a tooth unless performed
824by a dentist licensed by the commonwealth;
825 (xiii) Cutting, notching, sculpting or other modification of cartilage unless performed by
826a doctor licensed by the commonwealth; 42 of 45
827 (xiv) The intentional amputation of any part of the body unless performed by a doctor
828licensed by the commonwealth;
829 (xv) The modification of the genitalia by means of sub-incision, bifurcation, castration,
830male or female nullification or other surgical means unless performed by a doctor licensed by the
831commonwealth; or
832 (xvi) The introduction of saline solution or other liquid or semi-liquid substance into the
833body of another for the purposed of causing a modification of the body unless performed by a
834medical doctor licensed by the commonwealth.
835 Section 57. (a) Variance may be granted from a particular section or provision of this
836chapter by the department with respect to a particular case only when, in the sole opinion of the
837department:
838 (i) The enforcement of the subject section or provision would do manifest injustice; and
839 (ii) The applicant for a practitioner license or body art establishment permit, as the case
840may be, has proved to the satisfaction of the department that the same degree of protection
841required under this chapter can be achieved without the strict application or enforcement of the
842subject section or provision.
843 (b) Every request for a variance pursuant shall be made in writing to the department and
844shall state the specific section, subsection or provision from which variance is sought.
845 Every variance granted by the department shall be in writing and the original of the
846variance document shall be posted, in the case of a variance relating to a practitioner license,
847with the posting of the practitioner license as required by section 9 and in the case of a variance 43 of 45
848relating to a body art establishment permit, with the posting of the body art establishment permit
849as required by section 34.
850 A copy or duplicate original of all variance documents issued by the department shall be
851held on file in an office of the department.
852 A variance document issued by the department shall contain information so as to
853reasonably inform the public of the nature of the variance, the need therefore, the specific section
854or provision of this chapter from which variance was granted and the name of the subject body
855art practitioner or body art establishment.
856 Information advising as to whether the subject variance is unlimited in time or duration or
857has a fixed expiration date shall be detailed in all variance documents issued by the department.
858 (c) Any variance granted by the department may be subject to such qualification,
859expiration, revocation, modification or suspension as the department shall deem appropriate.
860 Section 58. A practitioner license shall be suspended by the department immediately
861upon written notice of such suspension to the subject body art practitioner when, in the sole
862discretion of the department, the department has reason to believe that, due to a condition or
863practice of the body art practitioner, an imminent threat to the public health or welfare exists.
864 When the condition or practice believed to cause such threat to the public health or
865welfare is abated or corrected to the satisfaction of the department, the department may terminate
866the suspension of the practitioner license of the subject body art practitioner and reinstate the
867same upon written notice to the body art practitioner and the practitioner license of such body art 44 of 45
868practitioner shall remain in full force and effect until the expiration of the same or until a
869subsequent suspension, termination, revocation or modification thereof.
870 In all other instances of a violation of this chapter by a body art practitioner, the
871department shall serve upon the subject body art practitioner written order of notice detailing the
872condition, event or practice determined by the department to be in violation of this chapter and
873such written order of notice shall instruct the body art practitioner that he or she shall have 5
874business days to abate or correct such condition, event or practice to the satisfaction of the
875department.
876 Should a body art practitioner, subject to an order of notice pursuant to this section fail to
877abate or correct the condition, event or practice which is the subject of an order of notice, or to
878otherwise comply with an order of notice, the department may suspend, terminate, revoke or
879modify the license held by such body art practitioner.
880 Section 59. A body art establishment permit shall be suspended by the department
881immediately upon written notice of such suspension to the subject operator when, in the sole
882discretion of the department, due to a condition of or practice in the body art establishment, the
883department has reason to believe that an imminent threat to the public health and or welfare
884exists.
885 When the condition or practice believed to cause such threat to the public health and or
886welfare is abated or corrected to the satisfaction of the department, the department may terminate
887the suspension of the body art establishment permit of the subject operator and reinstate the same
888upon written notice to the subject operator and the body art establishment permit of such body art 45 of 45
889establishment shall remain in full force and effect until the expiration of the same or until a
890subsequent suspension, termination, revocation or modification thereof.
891 In all other instances of a violation of this chapter by an operator or in a body art
892establishment, the department shall serve upon the subject operator written order of notice
893detailing the condition, event or practice determined by the department to be in violation of this
894chapter and such order of notice shall instruct the operator that he or she shall have 5 business
895days to abate or correct such condition, event or practice to the satisfaction of the department.
896 Should an operator, subject to an order of notice pursuant to this section fail to abate or
897correct the condition, event or practice which is the subject of an order of notice, or to otherwise
898comply with an order of notice, the department may suspend, terminate, revoke or modify the
899body art establishment permit held by such operator.
900 Section 60. (a) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter may be penalized by
901indictment or on a criminal complaint brought in the district court.
902 The fine for a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be no less than $300 per
903offense. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
904 (b) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter, may be penalized by a non-criminal
905disposition as provided in section 21D of chapter 40.
906 Section 61. The department shall promulgate any rules, regulations or standards
907necessary to implement this chapter.