Oklahoma State Department of Health

FOR RELEASE: February 10, 2005
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Media Advisory

News Conference Scheduled Friday on Tattoo Regulation

What:	News conference concerning proposed legislation to regulate commercial tattooing in Oklahoma.
When:	Friday, Feb. 11 11 a.m.
Where:	Blue Room State Capitol
Featuring:	Dr. Michael Crutcher State Commissioner of Health Dr. Ed Brandt Chair, Council on State Legislation Oklahoma State Medical Association Rep. Al Lindley Bill Author, HB 1519
Background:	Oklahoma is the only state that does not regulate commercial tattooing. As a result, many Oklahomans who seek tattoos are using unregulated or “home” tattooing enterprises. Tattoos acquired in unregulated conditions could result in the transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV. To protect Oklahoma’s citizens, new legislation proposed this year would provide for statewide regulation of commercial tattooing.