Oklahoma Becomes Eleventh State to Pass SUNucate Model Legislation

Oklahoma became the third state in 2018 to pass a law ensuring children can possess and apply sunscreen at school without a note from their physician.

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. (PRWEB) May 04, 2018

On Thursday, Oklahoma became the third state this year to pass a law ensuring children can possess and apply sunscreen at school without a note from their doctor.

Governor Mary Fallin approved SB 950, a bill based on ASDSA’s model legislation known as SUNucate, to eliminate barriers that prohibit students from possessing and using over-the-counter sunscreen in school. Unfortunately, sunscreen is often inaccessible at school due to broad reaching “medication bans” that include sunscreen because it is considered an over-the-counter medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). SB 950 was introduced by State Senator Gary Stanislawski and was approved with strong bipartisan support in both chambers.

“As we recognize Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we must continue to ensure everyone, including students, can protect themselves from the sun’s skin damaging ultraviolet radiation,” said ASDSA President Lisa Donofrio, MD. “Oklahoma is taking a great step towards raising awareness of skin cancer and promoting sun-safe behavior by allowing students to apply sunscreen at school.”

This legislation arose after concerns were raised by dermatologists and reports in the national media about students being required to provide a physician’s prescription in order to possess or use sunscreen at school. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force agree children should be permitted to reduce the risk of skin cancer at school by having access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures.

ASDSA was pleased to work with the Oklahoma Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society and the Oklahoma State Medical Association in advocating for passage of this common-sense law. To learn more about SUNucate, visit asds.net/SUNucate.

About the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (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-Advocacy.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15467168.htm