Virginia Tattoo Practice Test

Who is liable if a licensee performs unauthorized services?

1. The client

2. The licensee only

3. The tattoo parlor owner

4. The local regulatory board

The correct answer is: The tattoo parlor owner

When a licensee performs unauthorized services, the liability typically falls on the tattoo parlor owner. This is primarily because the owner is responsible for the overall operations of the business, including ensuring that all services provided are performed by licensed professionals within the scope of their training and certification. If a licensee exceeds their authorized scope, the owner can be held liable for any consequences that arise from those unauthorized actions. While the licensee who performed the unauthorized service may also bear some responsibility for their actions, the tattoo parlor owner has a legal obligation to maintain compliance with licensing laws and regulations, which is why they bear a significant portion of the liability in such cases. The local regulatory board primarily oversees compliance and may take action against both the licensee and the parlor but doesn't carry liability in the same way as the owner does in this context. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for both owners and licensees in maintaining professional standards and protecting clients.