On average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. With studies showing a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) is working closely with federal legislatures to protect the public from the dangers of indoor tanning.

The AADA continues to be the authoritative voice on Capitol Hill, promoting awareness about the dangers of indoor tanning as it relates to tanning bed reclassification, skin cancer prevention and education, and the indoor tanning tax.

FDA tanning bed reclassification

During the 112th Congress, there were several pieces of legislation and targeted congressional activities that centered on the use of indoor tanning facilities:

Letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Tanning bed reclassification

• On July 31, 2012, Sens. Harry Reid and Jack Reed sent a letter to U.S. 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.

Skin cancer prevention and education

The AADA will celebrate Melanoma and Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Month® on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, by hosting a Capitol Hill briefing in the Cannon Caucus Room at the Cannon House Office Building.

This congressional briefing is intended to raise awareness about melanoma, encourage early detection of skin cancer, and to educate the public about sun safety strategies, such as discouraging tanning bed use, to prevent future skin cancer incidences. Following the briefing, AADA dermatologists will conduct free skin cancer screenings – using a UV camera – that will be open to the public.

• Learn more about the 2013 AADA Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Briefing and Screening.
• Learn more about the SPOT Skin Cancer™ initiative.

Indoor tanning tax

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.

Energy and Commerce Committee tanning salon investigation

In February 2012, the House Energy and Commerce Committee 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.