CODE OF VIRGINIA

REGULATION OF TATTOO PARLORS AND BODY-PIERCING SALONS; DEFINITION; EXCEPTION (§
15.2-912)

A. Any locality may by ordinance regulate the sanitary condition of the
personnel, equipment and premises of tattoo parlors and body-piercing salons and
specify procedures for enforcement of compliance with the disease control and
disclosure requirements of § 18.2-371.3.

B. For the purposes of this section:”Body-piercing salon” means any
place in which a fee is charged for the act of penetrating the skin to make a
hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. “Body piercing”
does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that
penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.”Tattoo
parlor” means any place in which is offered or practiced the placing of
designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols or any other marks upon or under the
skin of any person with ink or any other substance, resulting in the permanent
coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the
aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.

C. This section shall not apply to medical doctors, veterinarians, registered
nurses or any other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1
in performance of their professional duties.

D. Localities requiring regulation of tattoo parlors and piercing salons by
ordinance shall include in such ordinance authorization for unannounced
inspections by appropriate personnel of the locality.

HISTORY: 1983, c. 429, § 15.1-28.3; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 842; 2001, c. 270.