New Law Sets Health Standards For Tattoo Parlors

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http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_203075511.html

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office says a bill signed into law by the governor Friday would make the state's tattoo and piercing parlors safer, while also increasing the pool of potential blood donors.

Senate Bill 927, sponsored by Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Patricia Bellock (R-Westmont), puts in place new health and safety requirements for tattoo and body piercing facilities. The bill also aims to increase the number of potential blood donors by allowing people to donate blood within a year of getting tattoos or piercings, according to a press release from the governor's office.

In order to eliminate the risk of virus transmission from donor to recipient, the American Association of Blood Banks requires people who get tattoos or piercings from unregulated facilities to wait a year before donating blood. Since Illinois currently does not regulate the approximately 425 tattoo and body piercing establishments that exist across the state, blood banks must turn away individuals with piercings and tattoos, the release said.

Senate Bill 927 makes it possible for those with tattoos or piercings to donate blood without a yearlong wait. According to the new law, tattoo and body piercing facilities must fulfill health and safety requirements, such as sterilization and sanitation techniques, to receive certification. The new law also requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) or a designee to inspect tattoo and body piercing parlors to ensure that they comply with state standards.

"This new law will give even more people the ability to donate blood – and potentially save a life," Blagojevich stated in the release.

In addition, facilities must renew their registration every year. Facilities can also apply for temporary registrations, valid for a maximum of 14 days, for education, trade show, or product demonstration purposes.

Once the tattoo and body piercing industry is regulated by the state, blood donated by an individual with a tattoo will still have to go through a vigorous testing cycle, which is required by the FDA of all blood, but blood centers will no longer have to turn people away for an entire year, the release explained.