Tennessee tattoo waiver requirements
Tennessee tattoo studios must follow specific state recordkeeping, consent, and aftercare rules under Department of Health regulations.
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You can generate a Tennessee-compliant tattoo waiver using our form builder, structured around Chapter 1200-23-03 requirements so your client records capture the exact information state inspectors expect.
Tattoo waiver requirements in Tennessee
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Chapter 1200-23-03, tattoo establishments must maintain the following client record and waiver elements:
Date of visit
Records must show the date of the client’s visit when the tattoo was performed.
Client’s details
The full printed name of the client, address, and date of birth must be documented in the establishment record.
Client signature
The client must sign the record for the procedure.
Tattoo design and placement
The client record must document the tattoo design and the specific location on the body.
Tattoo artist’s name
The name of the tattoo artist who performed the service must be included in the record.
Minor cover-up acknowledgment
If tattooing a minor aged 16 or 17 to cover an existing tattoo under § 62-38-211, the artist must obtain a signed acknowledgment from the parent or legal guardian confirming review of the applicable statutes. The studio must send a copy of both the acknowledgment and the related client record to the Department of Health, which retains the copy until two years after the minor’s eighteenth birthday.
Drug and alcohol attestation
Clients must attest that they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol before receiving a tattoo.
Written aftercare instructions
Written instructions on the care of the tattooed skin must be given to each client after the procedure. A copy of these instructions must also be posted in a conspicuous place within the tattoo establishment.
Record retention
Client records must be maintained on the establishment premises for a minimum of two years.
Source
Tattoo waiver and recordkeeping requirements in Tennessee are defined by the Tennessee Department of Health under Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Chapter 1200-23-03.
Tennessee tattoo waiver recap on Instagram
We break down Tennessee’s waiver rules in a quick visual summary. Check our Instagram post to see the key compliance points at a glance.
Video walkthrough: Tennessee tattoo waiver requirements
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone under 18 get a tattoo in Tennessee?
No. Tattooing a person under 18 is prohibited in Tennessee. The only exception is for a 16 or 17 year old receiving a tattoo to cover an existing tattoo, with a parent or legal guardian present and the required written acknowledgment completed and submitted as required by law.
What happens if a Tennessee studio fails a sterilization monitoring test?
If microbiological monitoring of an autoclave returns a positive result, the sterilizer must be checked and retested within three days. Continued positive results require discontinuing use until the unit is properly serviced and a negative result is obtained.
Can a Tennessee tattoo establishment be closed immediately?
Yes. If a local health officer declares an imminent health hazard, the establishment can be ordered to cease operations immediately until the issue is resolved and authorization to reopen is granted.
Do tattoo artists in Tennessee have to complete specific training before licensing?
Yes. Artists and operators must complete an approved sterilization training program and pass an examination covering applicable Tennessee tattoo laws before a license is issued.
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