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District of Columbia

SUNucate

Current Status: Enacted

Current Law

The District of Columbia has enacted policies allowing sunscreen possession and use in schools. The enacted measures apply to public and public charter schools and allow sunscreen use in school settings.

Comparison to SUNucate 

District of Columbia has adopted core SUNucate concepts, including student possession/use. The state does not yet fully mirror the model bill where additional provisions remain available, such as youth camp protections, sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, sun-safe education, or a sunscreen sales-tax exemption.

Opportunities for Improvement

The District of Columbia could further align with the SUNucate model by clarifying staff assistance, extending protections to youth camps, expressly allowing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, encouraging sun-safe education, and considering a sunscreen sales-tax exemption.

Legislative History

B 23-0422, B 23-0423, PR 23-0452, B 23-0467 (2019-2020) - Enacted

Sources

DC Law 23-157

Medical Spa Safety Act

Current Law

Washington D.C. does not have a comprehensive medical spa law. The Board of Medicine released guidance classifying aesthetic procedures into three tiers: Level I (non-medical services), Level II (non-ablative lasers, non-ablative body contouring, deeper chemical peels), Level III (injectables, ablative lasers, deep chemical peels, etc.). Levels II and III are considered the practice of medicine and may only be performed by an individual licensed to practice medicine. A facility performing Level II and III procedures must have a medical director who must be a properly trained physician and on site at least half the time. However, the guidance explicitly states it is not mandatory to follow.

Opportunities for Improvement

Since there are no laws in place, D.C. would benefit from enacting the Medical Spa Safety Act, which would explicitly regulate medical spas, prevent conflicting Board opinions, and reduce confusion for patients and practitioners.

Sources

Board of Medicine Policy No. 15-02

This resource is intended as a reference guide for selected provisions of state laws and regulations. It does not constitute legal advice. Although ASDSA will make reasonable effort to maintain the information contained in this resource, ASDSA cannot guarantee its complete accuracy. Please report any changes or updated information to ASDSA Advocacy Staff at advocacy@asds.net.