Professional Ethics, Scope of Practice, and Business/Legal
Ethics and business questions test scope of practice, consent, privacy, records, advertising, and referral. PMU sits in a cosmetic service lane; it is not a medical diagnosis or treatment service.
Core rules
Work only within your license and training. Do not diagnose skin disease or eye conditions; refer suspicious lesions, active infections, and complications to a medical professional. Keep signed consent, medical history, patch-test records, procedure notes, pigment details, and photographs with permission. Protect client privacy and do not post before-and-after images without written consent. Avoid guarantees, misleading claims, and testimonials that imply medical benefits. Follow local health-department rules, bloodborne pathogen training, and business insurance requirements. Set clear policies for minors, deposits, cancellations, and touch-ups.
Worked example
A client asks you to remove an old eyebrow tattoo with a laser. Reasoning: laser removal is outside PMU scope. Explain that you cannot perform it, refer to a qualified laser provider, and document the referral rather than attempting treatment.
Traps
Diagnosing a mole as harmless; guaranteeing exact healed color; posting client photos without consent; keeping incomplete records; treating a minor without required consent; practicing without current insurance or required permits.