The Environmental Health staff are responsible for conducting sanitation inspections in tattoo establishments in Newton County. Tattoo establishments are inspected unannounced at least twice a year and pay an annual license fee.

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These inspections are conducted pursuant to the Newton County Health Department Tattoo Parlor Ordinance.

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Types of Inspections:

• Routine inspection:  The inspector conducts an inspection covering all items in the regulations for compliance with the Newton County Health Department Tattoo Parlor Ordinance.

• Follow up inspection:  The is an inspection for the specific purpose of re-inspecting items not in compliance at the time of the routine inspection.

• Complaint inspection:  This is an inspection conducted as a result of a complaint received by the health department.  The specifics of the complaint are evaluated and discussed with the operator.

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Issues addressed during inspections:

• Tattoo establishments shall be state licensed

• Establishments must follow all guidelines covering tattoo procedures, facility construction/cleanliness and sterilization/handling of equipment

• Tattoo artists must wear surgical style latex gloves

• General cleanliness of the facility and employees

• Smoking/eating/drinking are not permitted in the tattoo areas

• Proper disposal of single use items

• Proper sterilization techniques and records

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Tattoo establishment annual fees are $100. Tattoo establishment licenses are NON-TRANSFERABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

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Tattoo establishments are also regulated and inspected by the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding.

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Recent Tattoo Establishment Inspections

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Facilities inside the city limits of Joplin are inspected by the Joplin City Health Department.

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Frequently Asked Questions | Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding