Nation’s Capital Joins 24 States in Allowing Students to Possess and Utilize Sunscreen in School
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., March 11, 2020 - Model legislation developed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association has been enacted in Washington, D.C., and ensures students can possess and utilize sunscreen in school without a physician’s note or prescription. The legislation was signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and passed the mandatory Congressional review period.
Provisions that protect students from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays while outdoors at school or school-related activities, also known as SUNucate, was championed by Councilmembers Mary Cheh and David Grosso. Students in the District of Columbia will now be able to protect themselves from skin cancer in time for spring and summer school activities.
“I’m pleased that students in our nation’s capital now have increased access to sunscreen and can start practicing sun-safe behavior from an early age,” ASDSA President Marc D. Brown, MD, said. “Sunscreen is one of the easiest and most effective tools we have to protect ourselves from dangerous UV rays. I hope other states follow the District’s lead and pass this important legislation.”
The need for SUNucate arose after concerns from dermatologic surgeons that students were required to bring a note or a prescription from a physician in order to use sunscreen at school due to its classification as an over-the-counter drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force both show that children should have access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
ASDSA worked with its coalition partners to pass this legislation, along with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the Washington, D.C. Dermatological Society. To learn more about SUNucate, visit asds.net/SUNucate.
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About ASDSA
With a membership of 6,400+ 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 asds.net/ASDSA
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