Virginia Law

A. Except as permitted in § 18.2-371.3 of the Code of Virginia, a client must be a minimum of 18 years of age and shall present at the time of the body piercing a valid, government-issued, positive identification card including, but not limited to, a driver's license, passport, or military identification. The identification must contain a photograph of the individual and a printed date of birth.

B. The body piercer shall verify and document in the permanent client record the client's age, date of birth, and the type of identification provided.

C. No person may be body pierced who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

D. Body piercing shall not be performed on any skin surface that manifests any evidence of unhealthy conditions such as rashes, boils, infections, or abrasions.

E. Before receiving a body piercing, each client and client's parent or guardian, if applicable, shall be informed verbally and in writing, using the client disclosure form prescribed by the board, about the possible risk and dangers associated with the application of each body piercing. Signatures of the client, the client's parent or guardian, if applicable, and the body piercer shall be required on the client disclosure form to acknowledge receipt of both the verbal and written disclosures. Each client and client's parent or guardian, if applicable, shall be informed verbally and in writing of aftercare for each piercing.

F. The body-piercing salon or temporary location shall maintain proper records for each client. The information shall be permanently recorded and made available for examination by the department or authorized agent. Records shall be maintained at the body-piercing salon for at least two years following the date of the last entry. The temporary location client records shall be maintained by the license holder. The permanent records shall include the following:

1. The name, address, and telephone number of the client;

2. The date body piercing was performed;

3. The client's age, date of birth, and a copy of the positive identification provided to the body piercer;

4. The specific type of jewelry used for the piercing and, when available, the manufacturer's catalogue or identification number for the type of jewelry used;

5. The location on the body where the body piercing was performed;

6. The name of the body piercer;

7. A statement that the client has received a copy of applicable written care instructions and that the client has read and understands the instructions; and

8. The signature of the client and, if applicable, parent or guardian.