The Monroe County Health Department or State Department of Health staff will investigate tattoo parlors on a complaint only basis.
What laws govern tattooing in Indiana?
In 1997, Indiana Code 16-19-3-4.1 required the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to
adopt rules to regulate the sanitary operation of tattoo parlors. The rule, 410 IAC 1-5, became law
on June 12, 1998, and was readopted July 21, 2004. The following are some requirements of the
tattoo rule:
- All tattooists must receive yearly training concerning how diseases are spread by contact with blood.
- To receive a tattoo, anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by, and have written permission from, a parent or legal guardian.
- Gloves or other appropriate personal protection must be worn when performing tattooing procedures and when handling blood.
- All needles must be sterile and designed for single use.
- Reusable tubes must be sterilized.
- Infectious waste must be handled properly according to Indiana law: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title16/ar41/ch16.html
What is NOT included in the rule?
The rule does NOT:
- Require a tattooist to register with the ISDH.
- Require the ISDH to perform routine inspections of tattoo parlors.
- Require tattooists to receive training or certification on the tattooing process.
Please contact Simeon at 349-2882 with any additional questions.