Environmental Health

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Body Art

Fulton County Board of Health - Body Art

Body Art Regulations (tattoo, micro-blading, and piercing):

 Environmental Health Services is responsible for the regulation of body art establishments where tattoos, piercings, cosmetic tattoos, and microblading, are conducted.

All Fulton County body art establishment permit holders must have a valid permit, proof of residency (copy of lease, mortgage, or utility bill), and a current license from the Fulton County Board of Health in order to operate. Body art establishments are defined as, “any structure on a permanent foundation, holding a valid business license where body art is performed.”

Routine, unannounced inspections will occur to assure proper sanitation practices that minimize hazards from blood-borne pathogens.

Rules and Regulations for Body Art/Artists:

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has adopted a statewide Body Art Rule ( Rules and Regulations – Body Art – Chapter 511-3-8) that applies throughout all counties within the State of Georgia.  The process of transitioning all artists and all facilities began on October 6th, 2023.  DPH has granted an extension to the deadline for all existing body art studios to obtain a DPH Permit to December 31, 2024.

New Update: “Notice of Extension for Permitting and Certification of Existing Body Art Studios and Body Artists”

For updates on the new statewide Body Art rule, you may visit the portion of the DPH website they have dedicated to the Body Art program:  https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/body-art

Fee Information:

Refer to the fee schedule for information about costs.

Existing Body Art Studios

Many of the requirements for the physical facility outlined within the new statewide Rule have been in place in Fulton County for many years.  Therefore, the transition should not result in facility owners having to make major changes to the facility.  Our inspectors made site visits to existing facilities over the past year to assess the facility and outline what business practices needed to be updated to transition to the new Rule.  DPH has extended the deadline to December 31, 2024.  Existing studios that have not initiated the application process for DPH permits should do so as soon as possible.  All studios must have a DPH permit by December 31, 2024.

New Body Art Studios

New Body Art facilities must open under the new Rule.  Please provide the following information to our office so that we can review your plans and business practices to ensure compliance.

Body Artists

All body artists must have a current and valid DPH Body Artist Certification to perform body art.  There are three exams:  tattooing, piercing, and microblading.  You must successfully complete the exam for all services you wish to perform.  Unfortunately, there are no study guides.  You may study the new Rule ( Chapter 511-3-8 ) to prepare for the exam(s).  As this is a statewide certification, the exam does not have to be taken at Fulton County Board of Health.  The exam may be taken at any county office that is offering the exam.  You can reference the following list of County Environmental Health Offices for their contact information to schedule your exam.  However, if you wish to take the exam in Fulton County, you may use the Body Art Exam Registration Form (below) to register for the exam.  The following guidance document from DPH outlines the process for obtaining your Body Artist Certification:  Download this pdf file. Certification Guidance

Guest Body Artists

The Rule allows for a guest body artist to work at a permitted Body Art Studio for up to seven (7) days under the supervision of an artist who has a current and valid Body Artist Certification.  No more than two seven-day Guest Body Artist Permits may be issued within a thirty-day period.  The certified Body Artist must complete the Guest Artist Sponsorship Letter.  The applicant must submit the following:

  • Guest Body Artist Application
  • Copy of Government Issued ID
  • Provide proof of successful completion of a First Aid course.
  • Provide proof of successful completion of a CPR training course.
  • Provide proof of successful completion of an OSHA accredited (meets minimum requirements set forth by OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training course.
  • Provide one of the following regarding Hepatitis B:
    • Proof of current Hepatitis B vaccination; or
    • Signed Hepatitis B Declination Form; or
    • Document signed by a physician stating that you cannot receive the Hepatitis B vaccination due to contraindication; or
    • Written laboratory evidence that you have an immunity to Hepatitis B.

Temporary Body Art Studio

A temporary Body Art Studio Permit may be issued for body art services provided outside of a permitted location for the purpose of product demonstration in connection with body art conventions or industry trade shows.  Organizers for these events should contact the Body Art Program Supervisor (fcboh.envhealth@dph.ga.gov) for details regarding how to apply for a Temporary Body Art Studio Permit.

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Temporary Body Artists

A Temporary Body Artist Permit allows an artist to practice body art for the purpose of product demonstration in connection with body art conventions or body art industry trade shows.  A Temporary Body Artist Permit may be issued for up to seven (7) days in conjunction with a specific event that holds a Temporary Body Art Studio Permit.  Artists must submit all paperwork through the event coordinator.

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Additional Forms:

Additional Resources:

 

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