Public Act 375 is the law in the State of Michigan that governs body art facilities and tattooers. According to this law, individuals are not allowed to legally tattoo, brand, microblade, or perform body piercing on another person unless it happens in a licensed facility. It also establishes specific requirements for all body art facilities.
What Does ‘Licensed Facility’ Mean?
Tattoo shops in Michigan are licensed as Body Art Facilities by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The owners or operators of these tattoo shops must apply for and maintain a body art facility license through MDHHS.
It’s important to note that a body art license is different from a Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate. The license granted by the State of Michigan is specific to the facility and not individuals. To obtain a license, tattoo shop owners or operators must undergo a plan review, implement the approved plan, pay for the license, and pass an inspection conducted by a health inspector before opening their doors.
It’s worth mentioning that just because a shop is “open,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s licensed. Some shops operate without proper licensing, and it can be challenging to distinguish them from legitimate establishments. The county health departments have been overwhelmed with work, making it easier for unlicensed shops to fly under the radar.
The license is granted for the exact address of the facility. Consequently, when a tattoo shop relocates, it needs to obtain a new license, even if it retains the same name and owner. To ensure a shop is licensed, customers should look for the license displayed in the shop and check the date. However, due to the potential for digital editing, it’s prudent to verify the license through the State of Michigan’s regularly updated document, which can be accessed here.
How Do I Find Out If an Artist or Shop Is Licensed?
In Michigan, licenses are granted to tattoo shops rather than individual artists. Even if a tattoo shop consists of just one artist, it must go through the same licensing process. According to the law, the shop must prominently display its license.
Additionally, each artist working at the facility should possess a Bloodborne Pathogens certificate. The shop should also have a certificate issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) indicating registration and monitoring as a producer of medical waste, particularly for tattooing needles.
To assist customers in verifying whether an artist or shop is licensed, the MDHHS maintains an updated online list of all currently licensed body art facilities. This list is regularly updated, with new shops added shortly after receiving their licenses. Customers can access the list here to ensure they choose a licensed facility.
For further peace of mind, customers can also check the health inspection results of tattoo shops. These results provide valuable insight into the shop’s compliance with health and safety regulations. THE SHOP, for example, offers the option to view their health inspection results from all inspections conducted since they opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can individuals obtain a tattoo license in Michigan?
A: No, licenses are granted to tattoo shops as Body Art Facilities.
Q: What should I look for to ensure a tattoo shop is licensed?
A: Look for the license displayed prominently in the shop. The license should state the shop’s address and have an up-to-date date.
Q: How can I verify if an artist or shop is licensed?
A: Since licenses are granted to shops, not individuals, the shop should display its license. Additionally, each artist should have a Bloodborne Pathogens certificate, and the shop should possess a certificate from MDEQ.
Q: How can I access the list of licensed body art facilities in Michigan?
A: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains an online list of licensed facilities, which is regularly updated. You can access the list here.
Conclusion
When getting a tattoo or any other body art in Michigan, it’s essential to choose a licensed facility. Public Act 375 ensures that proper standards and regulations are followed to protect the health and safety of individuals. By checking for licenses and verifying the status through the State of Michigan’s official document, customers can ensure they are receiving services from reputable and licensed tattoo shops. Remember, the well-being of your body and the longevity of your tattoo depend on making informed and thoughtful decisions.
