Iowa Health Officials Want Tougher Tattoo Rules

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jan 26, 2009 at 12:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 26, 2009 at 12:09 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Iowa health officials want to increase rules and fees for tattoo artists in the state.

The Iowa Department of Public Health wants to more than double fees, require more education and ban tattooing in private homes and by minors.

Talissa Miller, a state health department administrative assistant, says Iowa's tattoo rules haven't changed since 1989 and that officials want to bring them up to higher standards.

Miller says few complaints are received but that the industry is growing and officials want to prevent problems.

There were 532 license tattoo artists in Iowa in 2008, up from 131 in 1998.

One Des Moines tattoo shop owner, Sherry Sears, opposes increased fees, saying it could drive tattoo artists underground, where it might be less safe.

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