Rhode Island Approves Law to Prohibit Minors’ Access to Tanning Salons

Rhode Island has joined several other states in implementing tanning laws that prohibit minors’ access to indoor tanning devices. The legislation (2012-S 2322A, 2012-H 7825A) is a compromise of an earlier bill that would have completely banned minors from indoor tanning salons, according to news reports. The law will impose two provisions Minors in Rhode Island who want to tan indoors will no longer be able to if they do not have a written prescription for UV radiation treatment from a licensed physician. The only other way that minors in the state will be granted access to tanning salons is if his or her parent or guardian, in the presence of an employee of the salon, signs a written consent form for “every second” that the minor tans. According to news reports on the law, the consent form must include the following language: “I understand that the World Health Organization has classified the ultraviolet radiation used in tanning facilities as a Class 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco products. By exposing my child to ultraviolet radiation in this tanning facility, the possibility of my child developing melanoma (skin cancer) will increase. I also understand that there are safe alternatives available to achieve the same cosmetic effect as exposing my child’s skin to ultraviolet radiation, such as spray tanning or bronzing creams.” This specific language is meant to make parents fully aware of the risks that the child will be taking, according to reports. Senator Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence) and Representative Eileen S. Naughton (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) sponsored the legislation. The law takes effect on January 1, 2013.