§ 6-97. Epidemiological surveillance.

(a)

The Health Department reserves the right to conduct epidemiological surveillance related to bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B and C, and Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) related to tattooing.

(b)

No person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless such person complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for "Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions" and provides the client with the following disclosure pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 18.2-371.3:

(1)

Tattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object.

(2)

If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo artists and body piercers, there is risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and Hepatitis B or C viruses.

(3)

Tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.

(4)

Tattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license from a state health regulatory board.

(Code 1993, § 6-71(g); Code 2004, § 18-162)

(Code 1993, § 6-71(g); Code 2004, § 18-162)