04/23/2002 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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14 more i.nformation regarding the body piercing and tattoo -parlor. Mr. Sexstella indicated they are regulated under the Cuyahoga County Health Department. They regulate safety and the way the shop is run in terms of hand washing sinks, room set ups, cleaning schedules, and the metal and jewelr? used for piercing. The minimum standards are set by the county health department. They are also regulated by the APP, the Association of Professional Piercers. That organization has set even higher standards. Mr. Vidra was actually on that board. Mr. Koeth asked for Mr. Vidra's standards for the business compared to what is considered the minimum. Mr. Sexstella said they actually help set- a lot of the standards in the industry as far as safety for the clients, and the practitioners. They deal with metal specifications, the inks used for tattooing, cross contamination, preparing an area of skin, the procedures themselves. They use the standards set by the health department along with those of the APP. They can then promote awareness to the general public. Mr. Koeth asked how many times a year there is an inspection by the health department. Mr. Sexstella indicated an inspection is done once a year. He added they do have other quality control methods in place. He said they do spore testing weekly, which most hospitals do monthly. They use integr<<tors when they run a batch in a steam autoclave. It will measure time, temperature, pressure and saturation in the autoclave so if all those things aren't met, the requirements set by the CDC, then they have an actual record. They know everything they run is sterile. Needles are single use and disposed of. Jewelry is single use. Mr. Koeth asked how big the area is for doing the actual proceclures. He inquired if there is a bed or chair used. Mr. Sexstella said they use an examining table, -which makes a client more comfortable. Mr. Koeth asked for the square footage of the area where the tattooing is done. Mr. Sexstella was not certain of the actual figure but he indicated the room size in the building is 12 x 12. Mr. Koeth asked what regulations are in place for people coming in. Mr. Sexstella said they require a state issued photo ID verifying age. They require that minor;; have to be 16 and accompanied by a parent. The parent and child must have state issued photo ID with matching last name and address. They then have to sign a waiver. Mr. Koeth asked for confirmation on anyone over 16 needing a parent to accompany him/her. Mr. Sexstella said anyonf; under 18 would need a parent. Mr. Koeth asked if they do any kind of inedical history on the clients. Mr. Sexstella replied they ask basic questions. They do not ask for a medical history because they are not licensed doctors. They would ask if a person has eaten, if they had any alcoholic beverages in the last 8 hours, or if they have any condition that would affect the healing of the pie:rcing or tattoo. They would inquire if a client was on any medication or had any illness. Mr. Koeth asked if they keep any record of that information and, if so, for how long. Mr. Sexstella replied. that they do record that information and it is kept for 5 years. Mr. Koeth wanted to know if they in.quire about AIDS or HIV. Mr. Sexstella pointed out that right to privacy laws prohibit them from a.sking about that. The question about anything that would affect the healing of the piercing should cover it, but it is up to the client. He said if he has a concern, he would tell a client to see a doctor first and come back with a signed letter indicating it is all right to proceed. It is done on a person to person basis. Mr. Spalding asked if they have any medical personnel on sta.ff. Mr. Sexstella indicated Mr. Vidra is a licensed practical nurse; but within a studio setting he is not allowed to be a nurse while piercing someone because of the requirements of the health department. Mr. Spalding asked if they require an LPN to be on duty at all times. Mr. Sexstella replied that they do not:. They do not use the equipment that a doctor uses. The closest thing they use would be forceps or hemostats. There is no requirement for a doctor or nurse on hand. Mr. Koeth asked what Mr. Vidra, or anyone else doing a tattoo, would be called. He asked if they are considered artists. Mr. SE;xstella said they are artists, or practitioners. Mr. Koeth asked if there is certification for these practitioners. Mr. Sexstella said there is no actual certification. There is licensing through the health department to own and operate a shop. They have apprenticeships that usually last a year to two years. They also have a CPR and first aid class. They cover topics such as blood born pathogens, and inPection control. They teach anatomy and have seminars on piercing and advanced piercing. 2