Attention Body Piercers, Tattoo Artists and Studio Owners of Tennessee:

This petition is regarding Bill “HB 1945” which was recently introduced in for consideration by the State Senate and House of Representatives of Tennessee. Under the new proposed bill, individuals will be able to perform the duties of a body piercer or a tattoo artist without needing a license, to register, or to have any form of certification. If the proposed bill passes, all that will be necessary for anyone to tattoo or perform body piercings is to have the client sign paperwork acknowledging that the client understands that the artist does not have a license and agree to release the artist from all liability that may result from this work.

This bill creates a very dangerous scenario for the public. In many states, the tattoo and piercing industry works closely with local health departments to provide a safe, clean environment with certified artists to ensure that the safety of the public, which should continue. Allowing untrained and unregulated individuals the opportunity to provide these services is very dangerous. Practices to avoid cross-contamination, proper sterilization of tools and environments, and the safe disposal of medical waste are all things that are taught during multiyear apprenticeships under trained artists.  Having untrained individuals gain the ability to perform these services provides a public health risk since without proper training, communicable diseases and unnecessary risks are possible.

The body art industry has thousands of young new clients - individuals that walk into various studios across Tennessee every year. These clients may not be entirely knowledgeable and foreign to the experience of tattooing or body piercing. Currently, studios work with their local health departments to ensure an environmental criteria and certifications to protect the people of Tennessee. Clients may not understand this new bill and may go to under qualified individuals. Errors made in the piercing or tattoo room by untrained practitioners can result in permanent disfigurement and the possibility of infections or communicable diseases.

We propose that the bill remove the two occupations described here (i.e. body piercers and tattoo artists) for the safety of the people of Tennessee. The key to safe body piercing and tattooing is annual education requirements, teaching artists in the industry universal precautions, and staying up to date on best industry practices.  Overall, this petition is to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protecting the public health from unnecessary risks from which clients are currently protected. This bill would remove these safety measures and would be a disservice to the general public’s safety.

Please omit Tattoo Artists and Body Piercing Artists from Bill HB 1945.

Please share, write your representatives and help protect the people of Tennessee.  

Bill Reference  http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1945