SPRINGFIELD -- More than three years after the law was put on the books, Illinois is poised to begin formally regulating tattoo parlors.

Beginning in August, the Illinois Department of Public Health and local health departments will have the framework in place to start conducting inspections of tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments that have registered with the state.

The law, approved by the General Assembly in 2006, states that tattoo and piercing shops must have yearly health inspections to test the sanitary conditions of their facilities and equipment for the business to keep operating.

The law is aimed at requiring tattoo and piercing shops to be more hygienic and safer. Until now, they have not been regulated by the state.

Alysha Gallop, co-owner of Graphic Flesh, a tattoo parlor in Normal, supports the new law because it requires establishments to have properly trained artists as well as clean and safe facilities.

"I absolutely think it's a great idea," Gallop said. "It gives me an advantage to be licensed."

Some supporters of the law also say the licensing program could increase the number of potential blood donors by allowing people to donate blood within a year of getting tattoos or piercings. Now, blood banks may turn away prospective donors with tattoos or piercings from unregulated facilities.

Initially, officials believed there would be about 300 establishments registered with the state. The most recent records show 212 establishments have signed up, with more coming in every day, noted state health department spokeswomen Kelly Jakubek.