Calvert County health officials will be scheduling a public hearing as part of the process to enact an ordinance regulating professional “body art”—tattoos and piercings. During their Tuesday, May 21 meeting, the Calvert County Commissioners—convened as the Calvert County Board of Health—voted unanimously to give the county’s Department of Health direction to plan a hearing on the proposal. The draft ordinance was presented as part of Calvert Health Officer Dr. Laurence Polsky’s semi-annual report to the board.
Polsky explained the ordinance is being proposed to establish “reasonable standards” for the individuals performing tattoo and body piercing procedures. The health officer affirmed the health and safety of the recipients and providers is the primary reason the law is being proposed. Although there will be licensing fees for tattoo and piercing parlors plus the levying of fines for violations, Polsky said the measure’s intent is not to add revenue. “Our goal will be to educate, not to fine,” said Polsky.
The concerns of county officials include the use of non-Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ink, a lack of parlor inspections and employee training, infections from tattoos and complications from piercings. Polsky reported diseases such as hepatitis could be transmitted by piercing and/or tattooing.
According to health inspector Lisa Laschalt, Calvert’s established tattoo parlor owners are aware of the proposed ordinance and “supportive” of the additional oversight.
Ordinance highlights include the requirement of the body art studio owner to develop a written statement of policies and procedures, prohibition of anyone under 18 from being tattooed or pierced without parental permission, FDA approval for dyes and pigments, plus standards for sanitation, sterilization, preparation, disinfection, waste disposal, personnel, client files, applications for permits and inspections.
Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R] noted county leaders have long advocated body art studio regulation but needed state legislation in order to be granted authority.
Commissioner Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R] asked about phasing in the ordinance once it is passed. Laschalt explained the impacted businesses would have 60 days to get their plans submitted to health officials.
Additional highlights of Polsky’s report included his revelation that pertussis (whooping cough) has made a comeback, however, Calvert County Health Department staff was able to thwart a potential widespread outbreak after a local woman and her young child were diagnosed with the malady. Parents of children attending the same daycare facility as the child with pertussis and members of the family’s church were contacted by local health officials. Polsky reported the daycare
