ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., September 22, 2017 - Model legislation created by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) that ensures children are protected from dangerous sun exposure at school and camp was immensely successful in its inaugural year.
Better known as SUNucate, seven states (AL, AZ, FL, LA, OH, UT, and WA) signed the bill into law. An additional five states (MA, MI, NJ, PA, and RI) have bills pending in their legislatures. Already looking forward to 2018, Illinois and Indiana have expressed interest in introducing SUNucate in their next legislative sessions. SUNucate legislation eliminates barriers prohibiting students from possessing and using over-the-counter sunscreen by exempting these products from requirements implemented by broad reaching ‘medication bans,’ such as the need for a physician’s note or prescription.
“The interest we have received from state policymakers has been tremendous. Together, by passing SUNucate in the states, we can make a real impact in helping prevent skin cancer,” said ASDSA President Thomas E. Rohrer, MD.
The impetus for SUNucate were raised by ASDSA members who noted that their children and their patients’ children were being required to bring a prescription from a physician in order to possess or use sunscreen at their school or camp due to sunscreen’s classification as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force both believe that children should have access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
ASDSA has worked with multiple medical/health care organizations, patient groups and industry partners – such as the American Medical Association, members of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and the Personal Care Products Council – to show state legislators the need for this measure which will protect school-aged children. It has been recognized with a 2017 Power of A Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the premier program honoring the association community. These awards showcase how associations leverage their unique resources to solve problems and advance industry performance to make a positive impact on society.
To find more information on SUNucate, visit asdsa.asds.net/SUNucate.
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About ASDSA
With a membership of 6,100+ physicians, ASDSA is a 501(c) (6) association, dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of dermatologic surgeons and their patients. For more information, visit http://asdsa.asds.net.
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