Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 209 - RULES RELATING TO BODY PIERCING
Section 144-209-2 - GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Aftercare: Instructions on caring for the piercing and surrounding area.

2. Autoclave: Pressure vessel using steam, pressure, heat and time to kill microorganisms. It must be used according to manufacturer's directions. A pressure cooker is not an autoclave.

3. Body piercer: A person who performs body piercing on another.

4. Body piercing: The creation of an opening in the body of a human being for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration. This includes, but is not limited to, piercing of an ear, lip, tongue, nose or eyebrow. Body piercing, for the purpose of these rules, does not include piercing an ear with a disposable, single-use stud or solid needle that is applied using a mechanical device to force the needle or stud through the ear.

5. Body piercing establishment: The premises where a body piercer performs body piercing.

6. Commissioner: Commissioner of Health and Human Services.

7. Critical Violation: Means any violation of these rules which presents a clear risk of contamination, illness, or environmental health hazard.

8. Department: Department of Health and Human Services.

9. Ethylene Oxide: A method of sterilization, involving high pressure, conducted in a manufacturing facility.

10. Minor: An individual under 18 years of age who is not emancipated as defined by Title 15, section 3003, subsection 6.

11. Operator: The person who pierces the body of a human being, and is 18 years of age or older.

12. Person: An individual.

13. Shall: A term used to indicate that which is required, the only acceptable method under these rules.

14. Should: A term used to reflect the more preferable procedure, yet providing for the use of effective alternatives.

15. Sterilize: Shall mean to render free from infectious organisms, by use of an autoclave used in accordance with accepted sterilizing procedures, unless previously manufactured and packaged with ethylene oxide form of sterilization.

16. Ultrasonic machine: A mechanical device that uses sound wave vibration through a liquid medium to clean soiled or used instruments or utensils before being sterilized.

17. Work Station: The actual area where a body piercing is being performed, including work surfaces and all clean and sterile equipment being utilized during the application of a body piercing.

1. The provisions of the rules are severable. If any provision of these rules is invalid, or if the application to any person or circumstance is invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.