Safe Body Art Act (AB 300)

The purpose of the Safe Body Art Act (AB 300) is to provide minimum statewide standards for the regulation of body art practices in California. These requirements are intended to protect both the practitioner and the client from transmission of infectious diseases through the application of proper body art procedures and the control of cross-contamination of instruments and supplies.

Body art practices include tattooing, body piercing, branding, and application of permanent cosmetics.

What does the new law require?

• Minimum registration standards for body art practitioners
• Annual registration requirements for qualified body art practitioners
• Permits for facilities where body art services are performed
• Reciprocity for practitioners to operate 15 days/year at 5 day intervals in other counties
• Standards for operation within a facility

When will it go into effect?

Requirements under the Safe Body Art Act will be enforced beginning July 1st, 2012.

Who needs a permit?

A facility where body art services will be performed requires a permit from the Monterey County Health Department. Anyone who provides a body art services and meets the minimum standard to become a registered practitioner must also be registered.

How can I find out more?

Attend the Safe Body Art Workshop on March 23, 2012

Read the Safe Body Art Act (AB 300)

Call or visit your local Environmental Health office at: