Rhode Island joins California and Vermont to become the third state to institute restrictions on the use of tanning beds by minors.
There had been an effort to completely ban the use of tanning beds by anyone under the age of 18, but a compromise was struck. In the final bill, which passed into law without the governor's signature, minors cannot use indoor tanning beds without a prescription from a physician for ultraviolet radiation therapy or a signed consent from a parent or guardian. The parental consent has to be signed in the presence of a tanning salon employee, and it essentially has the parent acknowledge that UV radiation is a carcinogen and that exposure increases the probability of developing melanoma.
The American Academy of Dermatology applauded the state's action, and noted that in Rhode Island the incidence of melanoma in women 15 years and older increased by 24% between 2004 and 2008.
"Prevention is one of the most valuable tools that we have as dermatologists. We need to continue educating patients about the risks of indoor tanning and encouraging healthy decisions to help prevent skin cancer," Dr. Daniel M. Siegel, president of the AAD, said in a statement.
"This law is similar to bans in California and Vermont that will protect children and adolescents from the health hazards of indoor tanning and sends a strong message from the state that tanning is a dangerous behavior and should be avoided," said Dr. Siegel.