Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 641 - Public Health Department
Chapter 22 - Practice of Tattooing
Rule 641-22.2 - Definitions

For the purpose of these rules, the following definitions apply:

"Aftercare" means written instructions given to a client, specific to the procedures rendered, on care for the tattoo and surrounding area and guidance on when to seek medical treatment.

"Department" means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 10A.101.

"Director" means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 10A.101.

"Disinfectant" means a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered antimicrobial product that is applied to surfaces to destroy microorganisms that are living on the surface but not necessarily bacterial spores.

"Imminent health threat" means a condition or conditions that exist in a tattoo establishment and need immediate action to prevent endangering the health of people.

"Impervious" means nonporous, impenetrable, smooth, and washable.

"Inspection agency" means the department or a city, county or district board of health that has executed an agreement with the department to inspect tattoo establishments and enforce these rules. The authority of a city, county or district board of health is limited to the geographic area defined in the agreement executed with the department. Within the defined geographic area, the city, county or district board of health is the "local inspection agency."

"Mobile tattoo unit" means a mobile establishment or unit that is self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place; is self-sufficient for utilities such as gas, water, electricity and liquid waste disposal; and operates at a fixed location where a permitted artist performs tattooing procedures for no more than 14 days in conjunction with a single event.

"Residential dwelling" is a place or structure intended to be occupied as a residence.

"Single use" means intended for one-time use and disposed of after use on a client. Single-use products or items include cotton swabs or balls, tissues or paper products, paper or plastic cups, gauze and sanitary coverings, disposable razors, tattoo needles, scalpel blades, stencils, ink cups, and protective gloves. Cloth towels and linens are not "single use" and are barred.

"Sterilization" means a process resulting in the destruction of all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial spores that demonstrate tuberculocidal activity.

"Tattoo artist" means any person, including a permanent color technologist, engaged in the practice of tattooing.

"Tattoo establishment" means the building or portion of the building designated by the owner where tattooing is practiced.

"Tattooing" means to puncture the skin of a person with a needle and insert indelible permanent colors through the puncture to leave permanent marks or designs. "Tattooing" includes permanent color technology that is the process by which the skin is marked or colored by insertion of nontoxic dyes or pigments into the dermis portion of the skin so as to form indelible marks for cosmetic purposes. "Tattooing" does not include applying a tattoo for radiological purposes.

"Temporary establishment permit" means a permit issued by the department to perform tattoo procedures at a temporary event.

"Temporary event" means any place or premises operating at a fixed location where a tattoo artist performs tattooing procedures for no more than 14 days consecutively in conjunction with a single event or celebration to which the general public is invited.