BODY ART REGISTRATION PROGRAM
“The purpose of this Act (Public Act 094-1040; 410 ILCS 54/) is to provide for a safe and adequate blood supply.”
Are there risks involved with body art?
Yes, there are pathogens that can cause disease that are contained in blood and other bodily fluids. These pathogens and infections can be transmitted from one person to another through the tattoo and piercing processes if proper precautions are not taken. The importance of safe tattooing and body piercing cannot be stressed enough. If you choose to get a tattoo or a piercing, it is important that you are careful in choosing the body art establishment.
Follow these steps when looking for a body art establishment:
- Look for a current registration issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, posted within sight as you enter the establishment.
- Keep sanitation and your safety in mind.
- Is the establishment clean and orderly?
- Needles can only be used on one person and then must be discarded properly or cleaned and sterilized.
- Good handwashing and hygiene should be evident.
- Personal protective equipment, like gloves, must be worn that is appropriate for the situation.
- For more information on standards that body art establishments must meet, go to www.ilga.gov.commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700797sections.html.
How does the McDonough County Health Department ensure the safe operation of body art establishments?
- Registration of each establishment is through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
- McDonough County Health Department conducts inspections of all IDPH registered establishments.
- Offers bloodborne pathogen/bodily fluid training to registered establishments in McDonough County.
- Provides education to the public.
- Conducts complaint investigations.
Body Art Establishments in McDonough County
- Contact the McDonough County Health Department at 309-837-9951 ext. 2000 for information on body art establishments that operate in McDonough County and are registered through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Each registered establishment is inspected at least once a year.
For more information or for information on opening a body art establishment, go to http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/body-art-establishments#forms-forms-body-art