Board approves tattoo apprentice permit after debate over routine TB testing
August 11, 2026 | Tyngsborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
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The Tyngsborough Board of Health voted Aug. 10 to accept an apprenticeship application for a local tattoo shop after reviewing training records and supervision requirements. The board recorded the motion, accepted a second and carried the motion with members voting in favor.
The apprentice application included a driver's license, proof of an approved skin-course completion and liability documentation. Board members and staff confirmed apprenticeship requirements: 2,400 hours of supervised practice (roughly two years) and that each apprentice must be continuously supervised by a licensed practitioner who has been professionally licensed for at least three years. Carrie Umf, who presented the application materials, noted the paperwork and a checklist will accompany renewal and inspection processes.
Shop owner Tony Paterno raised a separate concern about the frequency of TB testing for practitioners, saying repeat skin testing produced increasingly frequent false positives and forced practitioners to obtain chest x-rays. "For the past, I don't know how many years now, it's been every 2 years on our application that we have to take a TB test," Tony said, adding that he found CDC guidance warning against overly frequent testing. Board staff said the blood-based test is more expensive (discussed at roughly $500) and a chest x-ray was discussed at about $250 in the meeting.
Board members and staff agreed to place the TB testing schedule on a future agenda for further review, citing the need to reconcile local rules with Department of Public Health guidance and to consider less burdensome alternatives for practitioners. In the meantime the board approved the apprentice application and advised staff to follow up on regulatory clarifications and any necessary notice to the applicant.
Votes and next steps: the apprentice application motion carried with the recorded board votes in favor; staff will notify the applicant and proceed with permit issuance and posting requirements.
The apprentice application included a driver's license, proof of an approved skin-course completion and liability documentation. Board members and staff confirmed apprenticeship requirements: 2,400 hours of supervised practice (roughly two years) and that each apprentice must be continuously supervised by a licensed practitioner who has been professionally licensed for at least three years. Carrie Umf, who presented the application materials, noted the paperwork and a checklist will accompany renewal and inspection processes.
Shop owner Tony Paterno raised a separate concern about the frequency of TB testing for practitioners, saying repeat skin testing produced increasingly frequent false positives and forced practitioners to obtain chest x-rays. "For the past, I don't know how many years now, it's been every 2 years on our application that we have to take a TB test," Tony said, adding that he found CDC guidance warning against overly frequent testing. Board staff said the blood-based test is more expensive (discussed at roughly $500) and a chest x-ray was discussed at about $250 in the meeting.
Board members and staff agreed to place the TB testing schedule on a future agenda for further review, citing the need to reconcile local rules with Department of Public Health guidance and to consider less burdensome alternatives for practitioners. In the meantime the board approved the apprentice application and advised staff to follow up on regulatory clarifications and any necessary notice to the applicant.
Votes and next steps: the apprentice application motion carried with the recorded board votes in favor; staff will notify the applicant and proceed with permit issuance and posting requirements.
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