Are tattoo and body piercing shops regulated by any laws?
Each state is different. In Illinois, prior to July 1, 2007 there have been no laws requiring licensing or guiding techniques. After July 1, 2007, tattoo and body piercing establishments will be required to be licensed and follow sterile technique. They will be inspected by the local health department to ensure compliance. Ask your artist/piercist if their shop follows state laws and what those laws are. What safety procedures should I expect the shop/artist/piercist to perform? You should expect the shop/artist/piercist to use sterile techniques. This includes using instruments that have been sterilized in an autoclave. Needles should only be used once and properly discarded in a Sharps container. Inks should be poured into small caps for use on you only and any leftover should be discarded. Your artist/piercist should wear gloves throughout the procedure and should immediately change them after touching anything outside the work area or if a glove is pierced. The skin should be prope
