When we go to the doctor or take our pets to see the vet, our eyes often come across some kind of license or accreditation framed on the wall. Similarly, when we go out to eat, we notice health licenses and updated health inspection papers. Even at run-of-the-mill McDonald's these are prominently displayed, and in all of these establishments, they provide a level of confidence for consumers.

But what if you go to get a tattoo or a piercing? Are these businesses as stringently regulated as health providers and food? After all, people at tattoo and piercing parlors are poking things through various body parts and using needles to pen their artwork on to people's bodies. Consumers should be given the confidence that they are being provided a service by someone who has been certified to safely do so.

Unfortunately and astonishingly, no formal licensing process exists to regulate the body piercing industry in Washington state, and some local state representatives are trying to change that. About this time last year, such a bill was poised to be passed, but the effort was delayed by parental consent issues and a possible precedent for abortion.

Nearly a year later, Washington state lawmakers finally look like they are going to take serious action on the issue of regulating the industry. The current bill would establish an office in the Department of Licensing, and the costs would be covered by permits issued to tattoo artists and body-piercers.

Thirty-four states have laws on the books that set standards for sterilization techniques and establish age restrictions for piercings, and for good reason. Hepatatis C, debilitating infections and minors frequenting these businesses without their parents' knowledge are all serious issues that will be addressed with legislation. Tattoo parlors are slightly better regulated because the state Department of Health requires sterilization of needles and instruments, but since many businesses provide both services, the legislation would most certainly affect both industries.

Hopefully with legislation that has had the support of tattoo artists and piercers who want their businesses to be more regulated, an industry that has been haunted by a shady rap will finally shed that label and become more credible.