Maryland Gets SUNucated

And then there were nine.

Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 427 into law, making Maryland the second state this year  and the ninth one overall to ensure state policy allows students to possess and use sunscreen at school. 

The legislation is based on the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association’s (ASDSA) model legislation known as SUNucate to eliminate barriers that prohibit students from possessing and using over-the-counter sunscreen in school. Sunscreen often falls under broad reaching “medication bans” that require a physician’s note or prescription to utilize in school.

“The passing of this bill helps encourage children to develop sun-safe behaviors early on, like sunscreen application,” says ASDSA President Lisa Donofrio, MD, in a news release. “Maryland’s efforts reinforce the importance of teaching children the risks of sun exposure during outdoor activities and how to best avoid skin cancer.”

HB 427 was introduced by Delegate Karen Lewis Young with companion legislation, SB 217, introduced by Senator Ron Young. ASDSA Board Member Lawrence Green, MD, of Rockville, Maryland testified in favor of SB 217 during committee consideration and said, “Allowing children to put on sunscreen before recess (…) would really help protect them from the dangers of the sun.”