During the 112th Congress, there were several pieces of legislation introduced that are centered on the use of indoor tanning facilities. The AADA continues to be the authoritative voice on Capitol Hill, promoting awareness about the dangers of indoor tanning as it relates to the following Congressional activities:

Energy and Commerce Committee releases details of tanning salon investigation

The House Energy and  Commerce Committee recently concluded a thorough investigation of indoor tanning salons that found nearly all salons contacted denied the known risks of indoor tanning, and four out of five salons claimed indoor tanning is beneficial to a young person's health. 

• Read the committee report.
• Read the AADA's statement.

Senators urge FDA to act on tanning bed reclassification

On July 31, Sens. Harry Reid and Jack Reed sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, requesting an update on the status of tanning bed reclassification. 

HR 1676: The Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act

• AADA responds to Senate legislation calling for enhanced labeling requirements.
• In October, dermatologists, along with patient advocacy groups, practice administrators and managers, lobbied in support of HR 1676 during the AADA 2011 Legislative Conference.

• In May 2011, the AADA hosted a Capitol Hill briefing with Reps. Carolyn Maloney and and Charlie Dent to introduce the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act, as well as provide skin cancer screenings.

HR 2092 and S 1278: Bills to repeal the tax on indoor tanning

• The AADA's Dermatology Advocacy Network has issued a call to action against these bills. AADA members can log in to send their members of Congress a personalized letter explaining why they are against the repeal of the indoor tanning tax.

• In July, AADA member Brian O’Donnell, MD, FAAD, wrote an op-ed in The Portland Press Herald condemning Sen. Olympia Snowe for introducing S 1278.

• The AADA sent letters to Congressman Grimm and Sen. Snowe opposing their bills to repeal the indoor tanning tax.

• The AADA, along with 85 medical and skin cancer organizations, signed letters opposing the introduction of HR 2092 and S 1278.