Minnesota Becomes 22^nd “SUNucated” State Allowing Sunscreen in Schools

ASDSA model legislation momentum continues

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., MAY 31, 2019 – Minnesota has become the 22^nd state to pass legislation that would allow students to possess and utilize sunscreen at school without a prescription or physician’s note. The language was added to an education finance budget bill and has been signed by Governor Tim Walz. Minnesota joins Illinois, Arkansas, Maine and Nevada in passing SUNucate this year.

The SUNucate model legislation, created by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), was designed to eliminate barriers that prohibit students from possessing and utilizing over-the-counter sunscreen in school by exempting these products from broad reaching “medication bans.” Students in Minnesota will now be able to use sunscreen during the school day while on school property or at a school-sponsored event.

“With Minnesota being the fifth state to pass SUNucate this year, it’s encouraging to see the importance of sunscreen use reach state legislatures and have SUNucate provisions included in other must-pass bills or in its own legislation,” said ASDSA President Murad Alam, MD, MBA. “Minnesota has shown its dedication to protecting its students by making sure SUNucate language passed during their legislative session, and we’re grateful to Governor Walz and all the legislators involved. Minnesota students can now practice sun-safe behavior while at school and protect themselves from skin cancer.”

The need for such legislation arose after concerns were raised by dermatologists and reports in the national media about students being required to bring a note or prescription from a physician in order to possess or use sunscreen, which is classified as an over-the-counter drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 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 worked with the Minnesota Dermatological Society, along with the 60 member SUNucate Coalition to advocate for the passage of this law. To learn more about SUNucate, visit asds.net/SUNucate.

# # #

About the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association
With a membership of 6,400+ physicians, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (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-advocacy.
Follow @ASDSAdvocacy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!