Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 210 - RULES RELATING TO TATTOOING
Section 144-210-2 - GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Aftercare: Instructions on how to care for a new tattoo.

2. Aseptic: Free from pathogenic microorganisms.

3. Autoclave: Pressure vessel using steam, pressure, heat and time to kill micro-organisms. It must be used according to the manufacturers directions. A pressure cooker is not an autoclave.

4. Commissioner: Commissioner of Health and Human Services.

5. Critical Violation: Means any violation of these rules which presents a clear risk of contamination, illness, or environmental health hazard. The commission of a critical violation of these rules is an aggravating factor which may warrant a greater fine, imprisonment, or license suspension or revocation.

6. Department: Department of Health and Human Services.

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

8. Minor: An individual under 18 years of age.

9. Person: An individual.

10. Pigment: The materials used in tattooing to implant a lasting pattern in the skin. Also, pigment may be referred to as "ink."

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

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

13. Sterilize: 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 (E.O.) form of sterilization.

14. Tattoo: To insert pigment under the skin of a human being by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin.

15. Tattoo Establishment: Permanent, nondwelling premises where a Tattoo Practitioner performs tattooing.

16. Tattoo Practitioner: The person who places a tattoo on a human being, and is at least 18 years of age.

17. Tattoo Trade Show: An event held for the purpose of promoting the tattoo and other licensed body art industry, where a minimum of 20 licensed tattoo practitioners operate at an approved facility at a fixed location for a specified length of time of not more than seven days in conjunction with a single event or celebration, where the primary function of the event or celebration is tattooing.

18. 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.

19. Work Station: The actual area where a tattoo is being applied, including work surfaces and all sterile equipment being utilized during the application of a tattoo.