Part I. General
18VAC41-60-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All terms defined in Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia are incorporated in this chapter.
"Apprenticeship program" means an approved body-piercing or ear-piercing training program conducted by an approved apprenticeship sponsor.
"Apprenticeship sponsor" means an individual approved to conduct body-piercing or ear-piercing apprenticeship training who meets the qualifications in 18VAC41-60-70.
"Aseptic technique" means a hygienic practice that prevents and hinders the direct transfer of microorganisms, regardless of pathogenicity, from one person or place to another person or place.
"Business entity" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other form of organization permitted by law.
"Ear-piercer earlobe only" means any person who uses only a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the lobe of the ear for compensation.
"Ear-piercing earlobe only" means the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the lobe of the ear.
"Ear-piercing earlobe only salon" means any place where a fee is charged for the act of using a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the lobe of the ear.
"Endorsement" means a method of obtaining a license by a person who is currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction of the United States.
"Event piercer salon" means a body-piercing or ear-piercing salon temporary location licensed to operate for a maximum of seven consecutive days.
"Firm" means any business entity recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Gratuitous services" as used in § 54.1-701.5 of the Code Virginia means providing body-piercing or ear-piercing services without receiving compensation or reward, or obligation. Gratuitous services do not include services provided at no charge when goods are purchased.
"Guest piercer" means a body-piercer or ear-piercer residing outside of Virginia who is licensed only to work for a two-week period at a piercing salon or piercing convention.
"Guest piercer sponsor" means a licensed body-piercing or ear-piercing salon that is sponsoring and providing direct supervision of a guest piercer.
"Licensee" means any person, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, sole proprietorship, limited liability partnership, or any other form of organization permitted by law holding a license issued by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology as defined in § 54.1-700 of the Code of Virginia.
"Piercing convention" means an event where Virginia and out-of-state body-piercers or ear-piercers gather for no more than seven consecutive days to offer body-piercing and ear-piercing services to the public.
"Reinstatement" means having a license restored to effectiveness after the expiration date has passed.
"Renewal" means continuing the effectiveness of a license for another period of time.
"Responsible management" means the following individuals:
1. The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship;
2. The partners of a general partnership;
3. The managing partners of a limited partnership;
4. The officers of a corporation;
5. The managers of a limited liability company;
6. The officers or directors of an association or both; and
7. Individuals in other business entities recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth as having a fiduciary responsibility to the firm.
"Sole proprietor" means any individual, not a corporation, who is trading under that individual's own name or under an assumed or fictitious name pursuant to the provisions of §§ 59.1-69 through 59.1-76 of the Code of Virginia.
"Sterilization area" means a separate room or area separate from workstations with restricted client access in which body-piercing or ear-piercing instruments are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized.
"Temporary location" means a fixed location at which body-piercing or ear-piercing is performed for a specified length of time of not more than seven days in conjunction with a single event or convention.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2007; amended Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023; Volume 42, Issue 6, eff. December 18, 2025.