Rhode Island

SUNucate

Current Status: Enacted

Current Law

SUNucate legislation has been enacted. 2021: SB 34 and HB 5164 enacted. Students, parents, or school personnel may possess and use sunscreen on school property or at events. Grades K-5 require a parental note for possession. Staff not required to assist. Districts may encourage sun safety education. Multiple failed attempts (SB 105, HB 5176, SB 2115, HB 7158, HB 5118, SB 116, SB 2176, HB 7123).

Comparison to SUNucate

Rhode Island has adopted core SUNucate concepts, including student possession/use; staff assistance; sun-safe education. 

Opportunities for Improvement

Adopt youth camp protections; sun-protective clothing; hats and sunglasses; and a sunscreen sales-tax exemption.

Legislative History

Multiple failed attempts

SB 34/HB 5164 (2021-2022) - Enacted

Sources

R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-37 (Effective: 7/9/2021)

Medical Spa Safety Act

Current Law

Rhode Island has passed comprehensive medical spa legislation. A medical spa is defined as a licensed establishment in which cosmetic medical procedures are performed and must be licensed with the Department of Health. Medical spas must have a medical director, who can be a physician or a nurse practitioner. The supervising physician, APRN, or PA must be trained in the procedures and perform the initial assessment of the patient and then delegate the procedure to trained non-physicians, non-APRNs, or non-PAs. Ablative lasers or energy devices may only be performed by a physician, PA, or NP.

Sources

Rhode Island General Laws § 23-105