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Calvert County Passes Law Regulating Tattooing and Body Piercing

Calvert County recently passed a law regulating tattooing and body piercing. Starting October 1, 2013, anyone who tattoos or pierces can only operate from a licensed business. Performing tattooing or piercing in a private home or unlicensed business will be illegal. This law will help reduce the risk that people receiving a tattoo or piercing will end up with potentially serious complications such as skin and blood infections, bleeding complications, and tissue trauma.

Tattoo and Body PiercingLicensed operators will have to meet safety and hygiene standards that will minimize the potential for infections such as Hepatitis, HIV, cellulitis, and sepsis. Anyone under 18 who wants a tattoo or piercing will need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Traditional earlobe piercing is not regulated by this law.

All properly certified businesses will display an official license. If you want to check whether a business is properly licensed or if you are concerned that someone is illegally performing tattooing or body piercing, you may call the Calvert County Health Department at 410 535-3922.

Read the law here:
Regulation of Body Art Studios and Body Piercing and Tattoo Artists

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