The Consumer and Environmental Health Services of the Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health of the Public Health Services Branch of the Department of Health and Senior Services (Department) is proposing the readoption of N.J.A.C. 8:27 governing Body Art Procedures.  The notice of proposal appears in the March 19, 2007 issue of the New Jersey Register.

N.J.A.C. 8:27 establishes standards applicable to owners and operators of body art establishments for safety and sanitation and establishes enforcement authority in local and State health officials.

The Department is preparing rulemaking to propose substantive and technical amendments and new rules to update the chapter and to reflect recommendations of an advisory committee the Department has convened.  The Department has determined, in consultation with the Public Health Council, to propose the readoption of existing t N.J.A.C. 8:27 without change to ensure the continued effectiveness of the existing chapter and the public health protections it provides until the completion of the rulemaking process described above.

The Department will convene a public hearing on the proposed readoption of N.J.A.C. 8:27 at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2007, at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, First Floor Auditorium, Health and Agriculture Building, 369 South Warren Street (at Market Street), Trenton, NJ 08608.  Persons wishing to testify at the public hearing who wish to be placed on the list of speakers are requested to telephone Mr. Monaco at (609) 588-3124 by April 4, 2007, and to bring an extra written copy of their remarks for submission to the public record.

The public has until May 18, 2007 to comment on the proposal.  Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing to James S. Brownlee, Director, Consumer and Environmental Health Services, Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, P O Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625-0369.  Written comments must be postmarked on or before May 18, 2007, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.

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