The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its April 2 regular meeting to approve a new ordinance pertaining to body art.
The previous ordinance required professionals who create tattoos and piercings to present results of a full body exam to the Board of Health before receiving a permit. Most jurisdictions in Georgia only require testing for blood-borne diseases, according to county legal staff. The new ordinance keeps that provision and otherwise requires applicants to submit certification proving good health or show a legitimate religious reason for objecting to the blood screening.
Permits are issued by the Board of Health and not the commissioners, but it was suggested that the ordinance be approved so that the county would have enforcement ability when necessary.
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