Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology intends to consider amending 18VAC41-50, Tattooing Regulations, and 18VAC41-60, Body-Piercing Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to ensure that current regulations are the least intrusive and burdensome as possible, while still protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Changes in the body art industry and the time elapsed since the last regulatory action warrant a general review of the tattooing and body-piercing regulations to make sure that they accurately reflect current professional and industry standards and are consistent, clearly written, and easily understandable. The board will consider allowing tattooing and body-piercing apprenticeships to be administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry and may make other changes identified as necessary during the regulatory review process.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: November 15, 2017.

Agency Contact: Demetrios J. Melis, Executive Director, Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8590, FAX (804) 527-4295, or email barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov.