How to Get a Body Piercing License in Michigan
Michigan's Public Act 149 mandates that all body piercing facilities obtain a license from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) to minimize the spread of blood-borne pathogens and diseases. If your facility only offers ear piercing and no other body art services such as tattoos and branding, you do not need a license to operate. Additionally, if you are a licensed physician, you do not need a license to offer ear piercing services.
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Instructions
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Register for an online account at Michigan's Body Art Facility Licensing Program to complete the body art license application. You must select a username and password prior to completing the application. Enter your name and contact information and information regarding your business' structure, location and the type of body art services offered. You may also submit your application via mail by downloading the form and printing it out from the MDCH website. Instructions on where to mail the form are listed on the application. As of 2011, the body art license fee is $500.
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Await notification from the MDCH regarding the receipt of your license application. Simultaneously, review the Requirements for Body Art Facilities guide to ensure compliance with the body art facility rules set forth by the MDCH. This 39-page guide assists with compliance information on the standards and training set for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regarding blood-borne pathogens and medical waste standards. Additionally, the guide contains information on required staff training and vaccinations, in addition to instructions for sterilization logs, client recordkeeping, aftercare instructions and consent forms. You can also access examples of these forms on the MDCH website.
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Schedule an inspection with your city or county health department. You are responsible for scheduling an inspection and paying the subsequent inspection fees. Some local health departments do not provide inspections, so you may have to schedule an inspection with another city, county or outside facility. If you are building a new facility or renovating an existing one, you must send a scale drawing or floor plan to the health department or business responsible for inspections in your area.
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Pay the inspection fee prior to the scheduled meeting and show up on time at the scheduled inspection to assist the inspector around your facility. Assist the inspector during the inspection to answer any of his questions about your facility. Following the inspection, the inspector will send a report to the MDCH. Inspection fees vary according to county or outside inspection businesses. If you received a satisfactory inspection report, the MDCH will mail you an license approval notice and a copy of your license.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan to offer services to minors, Public Act 149 states that you must obtain written consent from the minor's parent or guardian prior to service. The parent must sign the consent form in your presence prior to service. Example consent forms are available on the MDCH website.
References
Resources
- Michigan Department of Community Health: Online Body Art Facility Licensing Program
- Michigan Department of Community Health: Paper Body Art Facility License
- Michigan Department of Community Health: Requirements for Body Art Facility Questions
- Michigan Department of Community Health: Schedule an Inspection--List of Michigan Health Departments
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