Body artists may face new state health regulations

Tattoo, body piercing and corrective cosmetic artists will have to register with the state Department of Health and meet basic health and safety regulations, according to a new bill that has been approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' Professional Licensure Committee.

State Rep. Edward Krebs, R-Lebanon, proposed the bill 5 to 6 years ago after a Lebanon police chief showed concern regarding "fly-by-night" tattoo artists. These artists were opening tattoo shops without licenses and were using unsanitary techniques on their clients, he said.

"Any actions where there is puncturing of the skin or where human blood is involved should be regulated," Krebs said.

The bill, which will be voted on in the state House April 20, has been modified through the years, but this has allowed for an increase in support, Krebs said.

"I've talked to reputable tattoo artists and they've said (the bill) has been helpful to their industry. (The "fly-by-night" tattoo artists) have given them a bad name," Krebs said.

One such supporter of the bill is an employee of Art of the Ages, 103 S. Pugh St.

"Regulation is great. Too many people buy tattoo machines, start thinking they are tattoo artists and go around messing people up," said employee Tim Sellers.

Sellers added that Art of the Ages helped develop ordinances that supported regulation of tattoo and body piercing artists around the State College area. There should be stricter laws passed in town, he said.

However, not all tattoo artists are in favor of the regulation of their industry.

"I don't believe in any restrictions on anyone," said Paul Rupeka, owner of Forbidden Fruit, a tattoo shop at 110 Hetzel St.

Clients should be able to make their own decisions about whether they want to go to a registered tattoo artist, Rupeka said.

"They don't need baby sitters in high-ranking positions," Rupeka said.

Currently, tattoo artists and body piercing artists are virtually unregulated in Pennsylvania, a fact that many people are not aware of, according to a news release from State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre. Because tattoos and body piercings have become very popular among the teen-age population, regulations should exist, Krebs said.

Jen Slavick (senior-business logistics) was not aware the bill existed.

"It's a good thing," Slavick said. "Maybe someday we won't need the regulations, but right now, I think we do (for health reasons)."