Auditor General Wants Controls on Tattoo Industry

The state Auditor General is calling on lawmakers and the state Health Department to step up the state’s role in regulating the tattoo industry.

Auditor General Jack Wagner believes Pennsylvania needs to license and regulate tattoo parlors and artists.  He says it’s an invasive procedure that presents the risk of infection if equipment is not properly sterilized.

Wagner says the state has upwards of 750 tattoo parlors or artists.  He believes all parlors should be licensed by the Health Department with regular safety and sanitation inspections.

Wagner would also require training for tattoo artists, which may include apprenticeships, first aid and CPR training.  He wants to require liability insurance for tattoo establishments.

A bill was introduced in the state house last month that would address some of those concerns. HB 2617 would direct the state Health Department to establish health standards for tattooing, body piercing and corrective cosmetics.