About 900,000* people in Arkansas have at least one tattoo on their bodies. As more and more people get inked, there are greater chances of people suffering from tattoo regret at some point in their lives. The solution – either to get rid of it or get a cover-up tattoo – is a potential business opportunity with great returns. Planning on starting a tattoo removal shop in Arkansas? Read this article to get a grasp on everything you need to know before setting foot into the tattoo removal Arkansas Market.
Tattoo Removal Business Start Up
When starting a tattoo removal business, there are several crucial things to consider, plan, and implement. For a step-by-step guide to starting a tattoo removal business, click here. The business will also require insurance coverage. For a detailed analysis of which insurance covers the business will need, click here.
It ultimately comes down to this: laser tattoo removal.
Laser removal has emerged as the go-to treatment. It is effective and comparatively safe, being a non-invasive skin treatment. A laser tattoo removal clinic can be a highly profitable business.
Tattoo Removal Arkansas – Market Potential
Not everyone loves their tattoo forever. According to Harris Poll, almost a quarter of people with tattoos suffer from tattoo regret. In fact, the tattoo removal market is currently witnessing a huge expansion. It is set to grow into a $795 million market by 2027 at a growth rate of 19.3% (Allied Market Research). About 900,000 people in Arkansas have at least one tattoo. Many of them will face tattoo regret too. And when they do start looking for removal options, your tattoo removal business in Arkansas can emerge as their savior.
Tattoo Removal Laws in Arkansas
Regulation No. 22
The Arkansas State Medical Board oversees the healthcare sector in Arkansas. The laser surgery guidelines are enlisted in Regulation No. 22 of the Arkansas Medical Practices Act and Regulations. The article begins by defining what constitutes the practice of medicine,
“Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. 17-95-202, the practice of medicine involves the use of surgery for the diagnosing and treatment of human disease, ailment, injury, deformity, or other physical conditions.”
It then expands the definition of surgery to include laser procedures. It states that,
“Surgery is further defined by this Board as any procedure in which human tissue is cut, altered, or otherwise infiltrated by mechanical means, to include the use of lasers.”
The use of medical lasers for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes is considered a practice of medicine. According to this regulation, a physician can delegate certain minor procedures and services to ‘appropriately trained non-physician office personnel.’ While doing so, the physician is required to follow certain protocols. She/he must personally conduct the initial diagnosis of the patient and prepare their treatment plan, specifying the nature of the procedure. The non-physician personnel who may be delegated with the procedure must have the necessary skills and training to perform the same. The physician must also be available to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure. Lastly, the physician is required to maintain patient records. This must include a clear reading of the patient’s conditions, the procedure performed, and who performed the procedure. The board does not have any specific rules concerning medspas or who can own them.
Regulation No. 31
Regulation No. 31 specifies when and to whom a physician can delegate the task to. It states that,
“Act 472 of the 87th General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, as of the year 2009, authorized Physicians to delegate the performance of certain medical practices or tasks to qualified and properly trained employees (commonly referred to as medical assistants), who are not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by Arkansas law to perform the practice or task.”
The employee that performs the procedure must not be represented to the patient as a licensed physician, licensed nurse, licensed physician assistant, or any other licensed healthcare provider. The physician is responsible for the procedure which must be performed under her/his supervision.
Arkansas Tattoo Removal Regulations (In short)
- In Arkansas, anyone can become a laser technician.
- No state certification is required. However, the individual must complete a laser program from a renowned approved institute.
- The certified laser technician can only work under the supervision of a physician.
Professional Misconduct
Failure to follow any of these protocols will be considered gross negligence on the part of the physician. The board may then take disciplinary action against her/him.
“Ark. Code Ann. 17-95-409(a)(2)(g) states that the Board may revoke an existing license, or suspend the same, if a physician has committed unprofessional conduct, further defined as committing gross negligence or ignorant malpractice. The Board finds that a physician has, in fact, committed gross negligence if he performs laser surgery on patients without benefit of: a) clinical experience in the use of lasers; b) training of clinical management of patients; c) continuing medical education courses in the use of lasers; d) providing appropriate preoperative, operative, and post operative management.”
Arkansas Business Support
- From the office of the Secretary of State, the ‘Doing Business in Arkansas’ brochure. For those wanting to start a corporation or business organization in Arkansas, it is a great place to start. (https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/198246_SoA_SoS_DoingBus.pdf)
- Dream It Do It – This is an initiative taken by the Arkansas Secretary of State for helping new businesses take off.
- The Arkansas branch of SBA also has a lot to offer. The Arkansas district office of the SBA is not only a storehouse of information, but also provides networking opportunities through its various small business events. The Arkansas Small Business Resource Guide is a comprehensive guide to starting a business in Arkansas – from funding options to state policies and permits.
- Northwest Arkansas Score is a non-profit organization offering advice and mentorship from local experts. It is present in Northwest, Western, and North Arkansas.
Note: This article does not offer legal advice or interpretation.
*Based on statistics from https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/more-americans-have-tattoos-today
