Know tattoo shop laws before getting a tattoo.
According to Vanishing Tattoo, a Harris Poll conducted in 2003 found that 14 percent of adults living in the Midwest had a tattoo. Though tattoo statistics for Indiana are not available, American Tattoo Shops lists more than 75 tattoo shops in the state. Before getting a tattoo, it is important to know local and state laws concerning the training and sterilization of Indiana tattoo shops to avoid transmission of any blood illnesses.
Definition
Indiana Code 25-1-5 defines a tattoo as "any indelible design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol, or other mark placed with the aid of needles or other instruments; or any design, letter, scroll, figure, or symbol done by scarring upon the skin."
Tattoo Artist Laws
The rule 410 IAC 1-5 regulates Indiana tattoo requirements. However, it does not include a requirement concerning training or certification about the tattooing process for a tattoo artist. It also does not require a tattoo artist to register or become licensed with the Indiana State Health Department. The law does mandate that tattooists complete a training course every year on how diseases are spread when coming in contact with blood.
Tattoo Shop Laws
Under Indiana Rule 410 IAC 1-5, the Indiana State Health Department is not required to perform routine inspections of a tattoo parlor. However, some local counties do require routine inspections. Indiana state government encourages all tattoo artists and shop owners to contact the local health department for the most current requirements.
Indiana law does require the use of gloves when performing tattooing procedures and when handling blood. All needles must be sterile and used only once. Reusable tubes, for those that contain the tattooing ink, must be sterilized. In the tattoo shop, client rights must be clearly displayed. These rights are available at local health departments. The shop should be clean and there should be hand-washing facilities and restrooms with running water.
Other Considerations
Tattoo Me Now recommends doing a little research on the particular tattoo shop you are considering before you get a tattoo. They recommend asking friends and family who already have appealing tattoos. Also check the shop's website to get a feel for the type of work the shop does. Before getting a tattoo, it is important to call ahead with any questions concerning the process or type of tattoo. Some shops require making an appointment. If you don't feel comfortable in the shop or it appears to be dirty, it's best to get your tattoo somewhere else.
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