Legislative Info
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Access to Sun Protection in Schools- HB 1228
Representative Hal English has introduced House Bill 1228, legislation that increases access to sun protection in schools. The proposed legislation would ensure the following: the following:
View Complete Bill Information. Prior Authorization Reform- HB 1293
Improving transparency, standardization, and response times of prior authorization in Pennsylvania is the goal of HB 1293, a bill recently introduced by State Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks). Rep. Quinn's bill would improve transparency, accessibility, and consistent application of prior authorization by including a standard definition. Additionally, the bill would significantly streamline the process by requiring insurers to make available an electronic communications network that permits prior authorization requests to be submitted electronically, and authorizations and adverse determinations to likewise be returned electronically. The PAD has signed on with PAMED to make prior authorization reform one of the top priorities for 2017. Find out how to support PAMED's legislative efforts on this reform here. Pennsylvania's Indoor Tanning Regulation
Over the past few years the PAD, along with the Pennsylvania Medical Society and other health care organizations, have been actively seeking to pass legislation that prohibits the use of tanning beds for minors. This past May we were successful in this important endeavor as the legislation was approved by the Governor on May 6, 2014, and enacted as Act 41 of 2014 on July 7, 2014. The new state law was developed through House Bill 1259, and the issue was championed by Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh). It prohibits use of tanning facilities by minors under the age of 17, and requires parental consent for 17-year-olds. It also requires:
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, every year nearly 2.3 million American teenagers visit tanning salons. In addition, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in May 2011 determined that for young people diagnosed with melanoma between the ages of 18 and 29 years old, 76 percent were attributable to indoor tanning bed use. This new law is a good step in the right direction to protect Pennsylvania minors in the fight against melanoma. PAD Opposes Repeal of Federal Indoor Tanning Tax
The PAD joined 69 other organizations in a statement encouraging Congress to keep the current federal tax on indoor tanning. On Tuesday, June 9, 2015 Representative George Holding (R-NC), along with 13 co-sponsors, introduced H.R. 2698: Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2015. Following is the statement opposing this move. Bill to Repeal Tanning Tax Undermines Public Health
“As the 70 undersigned organizations below, representing our nation’s physicians, nurses, physician assistants and public health advocates, we strongly support the current federal tax on indoor tanning and are deeply concerned that an effort to repeal sends the wrong message about public health. “Scientific evidence shows that indoor tanning can raise a person’s chance of developing melanoma by 59 percent. It is estimated that indoor tanning contributes to more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States every year. The Food and Drug Administration, Surgeon General and World Health Organization have classified indoor tanning as a known carcinogen with a direct link to an increased risk of skin cancer. “We believe the current tax law can serve as a deterrent to indoor tanning use that can ultimately help reduce the skin cancer burden and save lives in our country. Just as taxes on tobacco products led to steep declines in smoking and lung cancer rates, a tax on indoor tanning can help turn the tide on growing rates of skin cancer in the U.S. “We urge Congress to maintain the current law as a strong message in recognition of the potentially fatal health risks associated with indoor tanning.” |
RESOURCES
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Organizations that Support Indoor Tanning Legislation
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