Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.300.010 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.300.010. Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter and RCW
5.40.050 and
70.54.340 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Body art" means the practice of invasive cosmetic adornment including the use of branding and scarification. "Body art" also includes the intentional production of scars upon the body. "Body art" does not include any health-related procedures performed by licensed health care practitioners under their scope of practice.
(2) "Body piercing" means the process of penetrating the skin or mucous membrane to insert an object, including jewelry, for cosmetic purposes. "Body piercing" also includes any scar tissue resulting from or relating to the piercing. "Body piercing" does not include the use of stud and clasp piercing systems to pierce the earlobe in accordance with the manufacturer's directions and applicable United States food and drug administration requirements. "Body piercing" does not include any health-related procedures performed by licensed health care practitioners under their scope of practice, nor does anything in chapter 412, Laws of 2009 authorize a person registered to engage in the business of body piercing to implant or embed foreign objects into the human body or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
(3) "Director" means the director of the department of licensing.
(4) "Individual license" means a body art, body piercing, or tattoo practitioner license issued under this chapter.
(5) "Location license" means a license issued under this chapter for a shop or business.
(6) "Shop or business" means a body art, body piercing, or tattooing shop or business.
(7) "Tattoo artist" means a person who pierces or punctures the human skin with a needle or other instrument for the purpose of implanting an indelible mark, or pigment, into the skin for a fee.
(8) "Tattooing" means to pierce or puncture the human skin with a needle or other instrument for the purpose of implanting an indelible mark, or pigment, into the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.300.010
What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.300.010 cover?
Section 18.300.010 ("Definitions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 18.300.010?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.300.010" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 18.300.010 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
