The department conducts inspections on tattoo establishmentsin Cerro Gordo County. Inspections are conducted to protect the public from diseases that may be transmitted from one person to another through unsanitary or unsafe conditions. People who get tattoos and their future contacts are at risk for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, other blood borne pathogens and infections if proper procedures are not in place.

During inspections, inspectors check sterilization equipment and records, facility and equipment sanitation and condition, artist procedures and sanitary measures that are used during the tattooing procedure, facility records and after care instruction and education.

The tattoo operators are charged an inspection fee. The fee for a tattoo establishment inspection is $200.

More information about tattoo regulations, applications and licensed artists and establishments can be found at the Iowa Department of Public Health web site: