Tattoo & Body Piercing

On July 14, 1997, the Governor signed into law Substitute House Bill No. 25, which amends the Ohio Revised Code to regulate businesses that offer tattooing or body piercing services. This law requires these businesses to obtain approval from the Board of Health prior to opening. The law also requires that at least one inspection be conducted to assure that the business meets all the requirements for approval. This approval is valid for one year.

Tattoo and Body Piercing Regulations became effective on April 30, 1998 and established specific procedural, record-keeping, safety, and sanitation standards for these businesses. The law and regulations enable local boards of health to better protect the public health by regulating businesses that offer tattooing and/or body piercing services.

The popularity of dermagraphic art and body piercing is increasing, especially among the youth of our society. Tattooing and body piercing procedures present the potential for localized bacterial infection and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Contaminated or improperly sterilized equipment and the possibility of unsanitary conditions at these locations have raised public health concerns that can now effectively be addressed by the Board of Health.

For further information about this program, contact the program manager:
Barry Grisez, R.S.  216.201.2001 x 1232
bgrisez@ccbh.net