For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
APPLICANT. Any person or entity applying for a permit under this chapter, whether for a new, temporary, or renewal permit.
APPRENTICE. A person learning the trade of tattooing or body piercing.
BLOOD. Human blood.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS. Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogenic microorganisms include, but are not limited to:
(1) Hepatitis B virus (HBV);
(2) Hepatitis C virus (HCV); and
(3) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
BOARD OF HEALTH. The LaPorte County Board of Health.
BODY PIERCER. Any person who performs body piercing on an individual.
BODY PIERCING. The perforation of any human body part for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration or for some other non-medical purpose.
BUSINESS OPERATOR. Any person in control of or having responsibility for the operation of a facility subject to this chapter.
CLEANED. Removal of all visible dust, soil, or any other foreign or unsanitary material.
CLIENT. Any individual receiving services regulated by this chapter.
CONTAMINATED. The presence or reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) on an item or surface.
DECONTAMINATED. The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item which does
not require sterilization to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal.
FACILITY. Any room or space where tattooing or body piercing, or both, is/are provided or where the business of tattooing or body piercing, or both, is/are conducted.
HBV. The hepatitis B virus.
HCV. The hepatitis C virus.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT. The County Health Department.
HEALTH OFFICER. The County Health Officer or his or her duly authorized representative.
HIGH-LEVEL DISINFECTION. A process that destroys all microorganisms with the exception of high numbers of bacterial spores.
HIV. The human immunodeficiency virus.
IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD. Any circumstance or situation which in the opinion of the Health Officer presents a serious health risk to the public.
INFECTIOUS WASTE. The waste that epidemiological evidence indicates is capable of transmitting a dangerous communicable disease. INFECTIOUS WASTE includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Contaminated sharps or contaminated objects that could potentially become contaminated sharps.
(2) Infectious biological cultures, infectious associated biologicals, and infectious agent stock.
(3) Pathological waste.
(4) Blood and blood products in liquid and semi-liquid form.
(5) Carcasses, body parts, blood and body fluids in liquid and semi-liquid form, and bedding of laboratory animals.
(6) Other waste that has been intermingled with infectious waste.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL DISINFECTION. A process that inactivates:
(1) Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
(2) Vegetative bacteria;
(3) Most viruses; and/or
(4) Most fungi;
but does not necessarily kill bacterial spores.
INSPECTION. A complete review of the premises and records of a tattoo and body piercing establishment as well as any other portion of the establishment deemed necessary by the Health Officer or Health Department.
MOBILE FACILITY. Any facility capable of being moved from location to location to perform tattooing or body piercing.
OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIAL or OPIM. Includes the following:
(1) Human body fluids are as follows:
(a) Semen.
(b) Vaginal secretions.
(c) Cerebrospinal fluid.
(d) Synovial fluid.
(e) Pleural fluid.
(f) Pericardial fluid.
(g) Peritoneal fluid.
(h) Amniotic fluid.
(i) Saliva in dental procedures.
(j) Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood.
(k) All body fluids where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids.
(2) Any fixed tissue or organ, other than intact skin, from a human whether living or dead.
(3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, and HIV or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions, and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.
PARENTERAL. Piercing the mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needle sticks, human bites, cuts, or abrasions.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT or PPE. Specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against contact with blood or OPIM.
PRACTITIONER. Any person who performs body piercing or tattooing on the human body.
SECURE AREA. An area that is designated and maintained to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons.
SEMI-LIQUID BLOOD, BLOOD PRODUCTS. Blood and blood products that have intermediate fluid properties and are capable of flowing in a manner similar to liquid.
SHARPS. Any object that can penetrate the skin.
STERILIZE. The use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores.
STORE. The containment of infectious waste in such a manner as not to constitute collection, treatment, transport, or disposal.
TATTOO.
(1) Any indelible design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol, or other mark placed with the aid of needles or other instruments upon or under the skin; or
(2) Any design, letter, scroll, figure, or symbol done by scarring upon or under the skin.
TATTOO ARTIST. Any person who provides a tattoo to an individual.
TEMPORARY PRACTITIONER. Any person who obtains a permit that will expire 31 days after the date of issuance.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS. An approach to infection control in which all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other bloodborne pathogens.
(Ord. 2011-07, passed 6-7-11)