Certain states also require that tattoo artists and body piercers follow specific health regulations. For example, in Virginia people cannot tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless the tattoo artist or piercer complies with the CDC’s guidelines for “Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions.” Virginia tattoo artists and body piercers must also provide their clients with information about the potential health risks of tattooing and piercing. In states such as Arkansas, tattoo artists must pass a written examination that ensures that the applicant has knowledge of bacteriology and the proper technique needed to reduce the chance of infections and contagious diseases being spread.

Many states require that tattoo and piercing studios follow strict sanitation and hygiene practices as another way to reduce the risk of infections. For example, in Hawaii tattoo studios must provide a sink for the exclusive use of the tattoo artist to wash his or her hands and prepare the customers for tattooing. In Utah tattoo establishments must ensure that all instruments to be used in tattooing, except for plastic stencils, are wrapped in surgical linen wrappers and sterilized by an autoclave for at least thirty minutes.

For safety reasons, some states also place stipulations on where tattoo artists can place tattoos. In Maine and Rhode Island tattoos cannot legally be placed on a person’s hands, feet, or above the neck. One of the reasons cited for these restrictions is that tattooing on these body parts increases health risks for the clients.