(a) Notifications.
(1) Verbal and written instructions for the care of the tattoo/pierced site shall be provided by each customer by the operator prior to the initiation of the procedure. The after care instructions for body piercing shall be appropriate for the area being pierced. The written instructions shall advise the customer to consult a physician at the first sign of infection and contain the name, address and phone number of the establishment. The after care instructions shall be made available to the township upon request.
(2) If the body art operator has reasonable cause to suspect that body art is being performed in the township by an unlicensed operator(s), they shall refer the incident to the Township Department of Public Health and provide any reasonable assistance or information.
(b) Client records.
(1) Prior to the tattooing or body piercing procedure, the operator is to advise the client to contact a physician prior to the procedure if he or she falls within any of the following risk categories (suggested informational working is provided in brackets):
A. History of skin disease or skin cancer at the site of service. (If you currently or in the past have had skin disease or cancer at, around or near the site, undergoing this procedure will greatly increase the chances of recurrence or magnification of these problems.);
B. History of allergies or anaphylactic reaction to pigments, dyes or other sensitivities. (If you have any known allergies or anaphylactic reaction to any cleaning solutions, dyes, pigments or any other chemical used in the process, please let the technician know so that other preparations can be made.);
C. Taking medications such as anticoagulants which interfere with the clotting of blood. (If you are currently or have recently taken medications that interfere with normal blood clotting, it is best to consult with your physician before obtaining this procedure. Inform the technician of this potential problem.);
D. History of hemophilia or other bleeding disorders. (If you have a history of hemophilia, you must consult with a physician regarding the procedure. Some piercings carry an inherent risk of heavy short term bleeding and you must not undergo these procedures without a physician’s approval.);
E. Diabetics, peripheral nerve disease or any deficiency of the immune system. (If you have diabetics, there may be a problem with healing in certain areas of the body such as the foot.);
F. Keloid: existence, propensity or history of keloid formation. (Piercing through tissue can be difficult and more painful and can result in the formation of more scar tissue.); and
G. Any deficiency of the immune or circulatory system.
(2) Each operator shall keep records of all tattoos/piercings administered and include the following: customer’s name; date; time identification of tattoo/piercing; and operator’s name. Such records shall be retained for a minimum of two years and made available to the township upon request.
(c) Prohibitions.
(1) It is prohibited to perform tattooing or body piercing on any body part of a person under the age of 16 except when prescribed by a physician’s statement.
(2) Tattooing or performing body piercing on any body part of a person under the age of 18 is not to be performed without the written consent of the parent or legal guardian of such minor. This consent is to be given in person to the tattooing artist, body piercer or responsible person at the facility by the parent or legal guardian at the time of the tattooing or piercing is to commence. The operator is required to see photographic identification of the adult as well as confirm that the adult is the parent or legal guardian of the minor.
(3) It is prohibited to perform tattooing or body piercing on a person who, in the opinion of the operator, is inebriated or appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs which alter cognitive function.
(Ord. 832, passed 3-15-2006)