Monday, January 25, 2010
A south Florida lawmaker wants the state to impose new health regulation on tattoo artists. State Representative Mary Brandenburg of West Palm Beach says anyone who applies ink for a living should be licensed by the state. She wants the department of health to regulate tattoo artists and tattoo studios Florida professional tattoo artists guild President Mark Longenecker supports the bill even though it means more red tape. He says it won't put tattoo artists out of business, but will make it a more legitimate industry. Even the Florida association of Blood Banks is on board, spokesman JB Gaskins says if there is more regulation, and tougher standards it might mean more people are eligible to give blood. Chris Newland, a lobbyist for the Florida medical association says more regulation is needed because doctors see far too many messed up and infected tattoos by people who are not trained properly.