Body Art Permitting FAQ

Am I required to have a separate health permit for body piercing and tattooing?

Yes, if the establishment does both tattooing and piercing, two health permits are required.

Do I qualify for a mentor card if my four years of experience occurred in another state?

Yes, please email your proof of experience (a business license, health permit, etc.) to bodyart@snhd.org . The experience must be verified prior to scheduling an appointment for a body art exam. More information on mentor cards may be found in the frequently asked questions webpage: https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/permits-and-regulations/body-art/body-art-card-faqs/

Does each body art workstation require a handwashing sink?

No, there is a minimum of one hand sink for every four workstations which must be accessed without obstruction (e.g. no doors or full walls) and cannot be greater than 15 feet from any workstation chair or table.

May I use a portable handwashing sink in my body art operation?

Handwashing sinks must be permanently plumbed with hot and cold running water and be part of an approved plumbing system.

Are soap and paper towels required to be in a dispenser?

Liquid soap and single-use paper towels must be in a dispenser.

Is a screened area for privacy required within the premises of a body art facility?

Yes, each body art facility shall have at least one workstation that can be screened from the public to provide privacy.

What is the required hot water temperature at hand sinks?

Tattoo establishments require hot water that is between 90-120 °F.

What are the requirements for a Body Art card?

The most current body art card requirements may be found here: https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/permits-and-regulations/body-art/body-art-card-requirements/

What records must be retained on site and available for review by the Health Authority and for how long?

Spore Test Records – Two (2) years,
Biohazardous waste management records- Three (3) years,
Patron consent forms – Two (2) years,
Purchase records for jewelry – Two (2) years,
Incident reports of adverse events – Three (3) years, and
A list of body artists who have worked at the establishment within the last two (2) years.

How often must a body art establishment be inspected?

Body Art establishments must have an initial inspection for permitting purposes. After the permit is approved, an operational inspection must be conducted at least once per calendar year. A facility may be inspected more than once per year as determined necessary by the Health Authority.

How often is spore testing required for my sterilizing equipment?

A biological spore destruction test is required every month on a routine basis and at initial installation, or if any repairs or service is made to the sterilizer. Records of spore testing must be kept on premises and available for review by the Health Authority for at least two years.

Contact Information

Phone: (702) 759-1258

Email: FoodRev@snhd.org

Location:
Fremont Public Health Center
2830 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89104

Updated on: January 18, 2023