Oklahoma tattoo artists’ records reveal few bad marks

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Tattoo studios across the state have received a nearly clean bill of health since their legalization more than two years ago, but professionals warn that customers should be hands-on when deciding where to get inked.

Fewer than 30 citations for health code violations have been reported since the state started inspecting tattoo establishments in November 2006, according to state Health Department officials. More than 20 of those violations were for improper licensure and occurred primarily in 2006 and 2007.

Travis Brown, a public health specialist for the state Health Department, said no establishment licenses have been revoked due to health code violations. One artist’s license was revoked for being fraudulently obtained, but it was later reinstated once the proper documents were submitted.

"It was almost like they were testing the waters,” Brown said. "The attitude changed once we started issuing citations. People started complying real fast.”

Those who didn’t comply left the state, quit practicing or faced the threat of fines totaling up to $5,000 per violation as determined by an administrative court judge, Brown said.

He said inspections take place twice a year and when a complaint is received. Sterilization records, client consent records, hand washing and glove use, needle disposal, equipment use and the cleanliness and maintenance of the establishment are reviewed during inspections.

Safety awareness Jason King, owner of Atomic Lotus Tattoo and 23rd Street Body Piercing in Oklahoma City, said that once tattoos were legalized, inspectors started showing up more often and staying longer.