Regulate Body Piercing in North Carolina.

SB 85 requires body piercing establishments (excluding medical professionals like doctors performing piercings as part of their practice) to obtain annual permits from the state health department. To get a permit, businesses must pass health department inspections covering sanitation of premises, equipment, and procedures. The Commission for Public Health will create specific rules for permit requirements, including hygiene standards, which will determine the permit process. The bill takes effect once these rules are adopted, but no rules exist yet as the bill is still in early legislative stages.