Human branding could soon be outlawed in State College Borough.

Last night the State College Borough Council heard testimony on an ordinance that would prohibit the practice of branding unless performed by a licensed medical doctor.

According to the proposed ordinance, branding is "the process whereby heat is intentionally applied to the flesh of a person such that it burns the skin and forms a permanent scar."

After listening to the advice of local health experts and Chris Prybyla, an employee at Tattoo Marks Studio Two, 411 E. Calder Way, Borough Council voted to table the ordinance for further discussion at its Nov. 12 work session.

The ordinance was proposed to Borough Council as the result of an investigation into branding by State College Health Director Mark Henry.

He conducted an investigation into potential health hazards after Tattoo Marks Studio Two asked the borough if a license was required to offer branding to its clientele.

In gathering information, Henry discussed the potential branding health hazards with Dr. Kathryn Bonnett, a local dermatologist.

A major concern with tattoo establishments conducting branding is that they lack the background to advise a person on how to properly care for the burn, Bonnett said. She explained a third-degree burn is very susceptible to bacterial infections.

"Branding poses a different risk," Bonnett said. "Bacterial infections are more resistant to antibiotics than viral infections associated with tattoos and piercings."

Prybyla has eight months of branding experience at Tattoo Marks Studio Two and spoke in favor of dismissing the proposed ordinance.

"I feel it is important for clients to express themselves freely," he said.

He answered questions from Borough Council and described how he brands.

The branding process involves heating a stainless steel mold to an excess of 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, Prybyla said. The steel is then placed on the skin for less than 1/2 second, causing a third-degree burn that results in a permanent scar, he added.

Borough Council's action to table the ordinance was a result of insufficient data on branding injuries both locally and nationally.

"I have no urge to be branded, and I don't understand where the urge to be branded comes from," Borough Council member Elizabeth Goreham said. "I was in favor of the ordinance before the meeting, but when Chris [Prybyla] started to talk, I realized that maybe we are overreacting. Now I believe there may be some room for regulation without prohibition."

In other business: The Borough Council discussed infill structures and the possibility of developing a demolition ordinance. They will address these issues further at a Nov. 1 work session.