Alabama has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. House Bill 179 would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by persons under 18. Read the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s letter of support.

The AADA wrote a letter to the Arizona House of Representatives requesting that it amend Senate Bill 1045 to include a more specific definition of the term ‘board certified’. While the AADA agrees with the bill’s intent to improve transparency of a physician’s specialty certification, the group has requested that the House Health Committee requires that the physicians specify which boards or certification entities they have been certified by. Read the AADA’s proposed language.

The AADA worked with the Colorado Dermatologic Society (CDS) to send a letter of support for Colorado House Bill (HB) 1121, which would require any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label.

Cosmetic Tax
The Connecticut Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society (CDS), the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), are urging the Connecticut Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Bonding to support House Bill 5880 which would repeal the sales tax on cosmetic medical procedures. Current Connecticut law deems “cosmetic medical procedures” as taxable, but exempts “reconstructive surgery” from the tax. Arguing that the distinction between cosmetic and reconstructive is not always clear, the CDS, AADA, and ASDSA reiterated that such a tax not only invades patient privacy and is difficult to administer, but could cost the state more revenue than it generates from the tax.

Indoor Tanning
Legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning devices by minors under the age of 17 has been signed by Gov. Malloy. The AADA sent a letter of support for Connecticut Senate Bill (SB) 872 as well as a letter to the Governor prior to its passage.

Medical Liability
The AADA submitted written comments opposing House Bill 6687, which would weaken the existing medical liability law concerning certificates of merit.

Scope of Practice
The AADA and the Connecticut Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society have sent a letter opposing Connecticut HB 6391 which would eliminate written collaborative practice agreements between physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), granting APRNs the authority to practice independently and prescribe controlled substances without physician oversight.

The AADA worked with the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (FSDDS) to send a letter of support for House Bill (HB) 365 which would require any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label.

The AADA and the FSDDS have sent a joint letter of opposition to the Florida Senate regarding biosimilar legislation that would remove the requirement that pharmacists inform the health care provider of a biosimilar substitution. Engrossed House Bill 365 removed the notification requirement arguing that it would impede access or cause significant burden on the pharmacy. In its letter, the AADA and FSDDS argue that by omitting physician notification, patient safety could be jeopardized. Requiring a notification period of 24 hours prior to the substitution could prevent adverse outcomes and ensure that the physician is aware a change in therapy occurred if the patient experiences an adverse effect. Read the AADA and FSDDS letter of opposition.
 
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (FSDS), the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (FSDDS), and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), have expressed strong support for Florida Senate Bill (SB) 612 which would prohibit medical professionals who are not medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy from using the title “Doctor” or “Dr.” in medical settings. In the letter of support, the group argued that SB 612 would provide Florida with simple mechanisms to improve transparency in services provided by health care professionals by prohibiting deceptive and misleading advertising that could hinder patient safety.

Legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer has passed out of committee in Idaho, and will go to the House floor for consideration. HB 268 would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by minors under the age of 16 and would require parental consent for minors ages 16 and 17. Read the AADA’s letter of support.

Illinois has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. House Bill (HB) 188 and Senate Bill (SB) 2244 would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by persons under 18. Both bills have passed out of committee. Read the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s letter of support for HB 188 and SB 2244.

The AADA has opposed two Illinois bills that would eliminate written collaborative practice agreements between physicians and advanced practice nurses (APNs), thereby granting APNs the authority to practice independently and prescribe controlled substances without physician oversight. Although the AADA reiterated its position that coordinated-care teams, including APNs, but led by a physician, are a critical component to the health care delivery system, the AADA expressed its concerns that an APN’s education and training is not sufficient for independent practice, and could therefore jeopardize patient safety. Read the AADA’s letters of opposition to Senate Bill 73 and House Bill 1052.

The AADA sent a letter of support for a truth-in-advertising bill in Iowa. The Iowa House Study Bill 70 would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license held by the health care professional. In addition, all health care professionals would be required to wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of license held during all patient encounters.

The AADA has sent a letter of support for Iowa Senate Study Bill (SSB) 1132, which, if enacted, would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license held by the health care professional. In addition, all health care professionals would be required to wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of license held during all patient encounters.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) and the Iowa Dermatological Society have sent letters in support of truth-in-advertising legislation, House File 418 and Senate File 373. The legislation would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license and any applicable board certification held by the health care professional. In addition, all health care professionals would be required to wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of license held during all patient encounters.

Maine has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. LD 272 would ban minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices. Read the letter of support from the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Maine Dermatological Society.

Maryland has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. Senate Bill 488 would ban minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices. Read the letter of support from the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Maryland Dermatologic Society.

The AADA sent a letter of support for HB 781, which would require any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label. Read the AADA letter of support.

The AADA, the Minnesota Dermatological Society (MDS), and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) are urging the Minnesota State House of Representatives to vote down House File 661, which would levy a tax on cosmetic medical procedures. The legislation would deem “cosmetic medical procedures” as taxable, but would exempt “reconstructive surgery” from the tax. Arguing that the distinction between cosmetic and reconstructive is not always clear, the AADA, MDS and ASDSA reiterated that such a tax not only invades patient privacy and is difficult to administer, but could cost the state more revenue than it generates from the tax. Read the AADA, MDS, and ASDSA letter of opposition.

The MDS, AADA, and ASDSA, have also written a letter to the Senate Taxes Committee urging its members to vote against a provision in a recent tax reform division report that would levy a tax on elective cosmetic medical procedures. Read the MDS, AADA, and ASDSA letter of opposition.

The AADA submitted a letter to the Mississippi Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on the introduction of legislation about biosimilars. Senate Bill 2085 requires any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label. Read the AADA's comment letter.

Missouri has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. House Bill 47 would require that minors under the age of 17 provide in-person and written parental or guardian consent prior to the minor's use of an indoor tanning device. Read the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s letter of support. The AADA recently sent a letter of support for HB 47 to state Sen. Brian Nieves, the chair of the Senate General Laws Committee.

Montana introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. However, HB 456 failed to pass out of committee. House Bill 456 would require that minors under the age of 17 provide in-person parental or guardian consent prior to the minor's use of an indoor tanning device. Read the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s letter of support.

In January 2013, the AADA sent a letter of support for a truth-in-advertising bill in Nebraska. Legislative Bill 54 would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of credential held by the health care professional. In addition, all health care providers engaged in direct patient encounters must wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of credential held.

The AADA submitted written comments supporting Legislative Bill 132, which would prohibit minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices.

The AADA has sent a letter in support of truth-in-advertising legislation, Nevada Senate Bill 211. The legislation would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license and any applicable board certification held by the health care professional. In addition, all health care professionals would be required to wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of license held during all patient encounters. Read the AADA's letter of support.

Legislation prohibiting minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices has been signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval. In Nevada, the Senate has introduced SB 267 which would ban minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning. The AADA sent a letter of support to the Senate for SB 267, and a letter of support to Gov. Sandoval prior to its passage.

Gov. Sandoval has also signed legislation, Assembly Bill 170, that grants advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) the authority to practice independently and prescribe controlled substances without physician oversight. Read the AADA's letter of opposition that went to the Governor prior to his signing.

The state of New Jersey took a step toward protecting youth from the dangers of skin cancer. Legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds by minors 17 and younger has passed out of both the New Jersey House and Senate. The American Academy of Dermatology Association, the Dermatological Society of New Jersey and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association supported the bill which will now go to Gov. Christopher Christie to sign into law. If Gov. Christie takes no action, the bill will automatically become law and go into effect six months after enactment.

The AADA and the Dermatological Society of New Jersey (DSNJ) have sent a letter opposing S-2079 — legislation that would restrict where certain procedures may be performed. Similar legislation, Assembly Bill 1824, is pending in the New Jersey Assembly.

S-2079 would require that operations — such as liposuction procedures that involve more than 750 cubic centimeters of aspirate, procedures that utilize a breast implant, and aesthetic truncal contouring procedures involving the excision of skin — take place in accredited ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals. The AADA and DSNJ argued that this legislation could in fact hinder patient safety, access to dermatological procedures, and lead to even higher health care costs in New Jersey. Additionally, the groups argued that the passage of this bill could set a precedent for legislation that would not ensure patient safety, but rather negatively affects patient access to minor surgeries, which are safely performed in physician offices. Read the AADA’s letter of opposition.

Truth-in-advertising legislation recently introduced in New York could help set the record straight by providing patients with necessary information about who is providing their health care. Senate Bill (SB) 5493 would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license and board certification, if applicable, held by health care professional.

In addition, SB 5493 would require all health care professionals to wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of license held during all patient encounters. The American Academy of Dermatology Association sent a letter of support for SB 5493.

North Carolina has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. House Bill 18 would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by persons under 18. Read the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s letter of support. Read the AADA’s letter to Rep. Tim D. Moffitt encouraging his support.

The AADA submitted a letter to the North Dakota House Human Services Committee on the introduction of legislation about biosimilars. Senate Bill 2190 requires any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label. Read the AADA's comment letter. The bill passed and will now go to Gov. Jack Dalrymple to sign into law.

The AADA wrote a letter to the North Dakota House of Representatives Human Services Committee and Rep. Bill Devlin, speaker of the North Dakota House of Representatives, opposing House Bill (HB) 1188, which would repeal existing statutes on indoor tanning. Currently, customers under age 14 are not allowed to use a tanning device at a tanning facility without a written order from a physician without being licensed in North Dakota and without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, HB 1188 would reverse a statute that requires customers under age 18 to provide written consent to a tanning facility before using a tanning device at that facility. The bill was voted down in in the North Dakota House of Representatives and will not move forward.

The AADA sent a letter of support for a truth-in-advertising bill in North Dakota. Senate Bill 2202 would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license held by the health care practitioner. In addition, all health care practitioners must wear a name tag that clearly identifies the type of license held during all patient encounters.

Ohio House Bill (HB) 131, would  prohibit minors under 18 from using indoor tanning devices. Read the AADA’s letter of support for HB 131.

Oklahoma has introduced legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. Senate Bill 345 would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by persons under 18. Read the letter of support from the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the Oklahoma State Dermatological Society. The AADA also sent letters supporting the bill to Sen. Brian Bingman, Sen. Mike Schulz, and Sen. Sean Burrage.

Office-based surgery
The AADA and the Oregon Dermatology Society sent a letter and testified before the Oregon Medical Board against amendments to office-based surgery rules.

The AADA, in partnership with the Oregon Dermatology Society (ODS), has sent a letter opposing proposed changes to the Oregon Medical Board rules on the performance of office-based surgery and cosmetic procedures that would require Basic Life Support certification and written informed consent for Level 1 procedures, specifically those performed under topical or local anesthesia. The AADA and ODS argued that the proposed rules exceed what is appropriate according to the level of anesthesia, and that the proposal is neither consistent with widely recognized principles for office-based surgery nor does it represent appropriate standards of care. Read the AADA and ODS letter of opposition.

Biosimilars
The AADA, in partnership with the Oregon Dermatology Society (ODS), has sent a letter of support for Oregon House Bill (HB) 2705 and Oregon Senate Bill (SB) 460 which would require any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label. The bill largely reflects the AADA’s position on the therapeutic substitution of biosimilar products. The AADA and ODS recommended that the bills be amended to shorten the notification from three days to 24 hours prior to dispensing, in order to ensure patient safety.

Indoor tanning
The Oregon Dermatology Society, the Oregon Health & Science University Department of Dermatology (OHSU Dermatology), and the American Academy of Dermatology Association, sent a letter of support to the Oregon Senate Committee on Health Care and Human Services for HB 2896 which would prohibit minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) has reached out to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry to express its concerns over a proposed code amendment that would allow dentists to administer cosmetic products including botulinum toxins and dermal fillers. In its letter of opposition, the AADA argued that this proposal would allow dentists to practice medicine thereby endangering patient safety. Additionally, the rule would not necessitate adequate training requirements needed to administer such products.
 
In Pennsylvania, HB 1259 which would prohibit minors under 17 from using indoor tanning devices. Read the AADA and Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery’s letter of support. Additionally, the city of Philadelphia has introduced legislation to protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. Bill No. 130057 would ban minors under the age of 14 from using indoor tanning devices. Read the letter of support from the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.

The AADA, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (PAD), has sent a letter of support for Pennsylvania HB 746 and Pennsylvania SB 405 which would require any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label. The bill largely reflects the AADA’s position on the therapeutic substitution of biosimilar products. The AADA and PAD recommended that the bills be amended to shorten the notification from three days to 24 hours prior to dispensing, in order to ensure patient safety.

Texas has introduced two pieces of legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. House Bill 598 and Senate Bill 329 would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by persons under 18. Read the letters of support from the American Academy of Dermatology on House Bill 598 and Senate Bill 329. 

The AADA sent a letter of support for a truth-in-advertising bill in Vermont House Bill 25 which would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license, certification or registration held by the health care professional offering those services. In addition, all health care professionals would be required to wear a photo identification name tag that clearly identifies the type of license, certification, or registration held during all patient encounters.

A Virginia bill that would protect minors from indoor tanning did not pass out of Committee. The AADA, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association and the Virginia Dermatological Society sent a letter supporting SB 1274 which would prohibit minors under 15 from using indoor tanning devices and require minors who are 15, 16, or 17 to obtain parental consent.

The AADA submitted a letter to the Virginia House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee on the introduction of legislation about biosimilars. House Bill 1422 requires any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label. Read the AADA's comment letter. The bill passed and will now go to Gov. Bob McDonnell to sign into law.

The AADA also submitted comments to the Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee opposing Senate Bill (SB) 1285. As proposed, SB 1285 establishes a process for the therapeutic substitution of interchangeable biosimilar medications. However, the AADA argued that the bill fails to put in place important safeguards of physician notification or record keeping. After the Committee received the AADA letter, the bill was amended in a hearing to include language that would require record keeping and physician notification within five days of dispensing.

The AADA worked with the the Washington State Dermatology Association to send a letter of support for House Bill 1528 and Senate Bill 5469, which would require any pharmacist who dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar to inform the patient prior to dispensing the biosimilar, provide notification of the substitution to the prescriber, and record the brand name or the product name and name of the manufacturer of the biosimilar on the record of dispensing and the prescription label.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), the Washington State Dermatology Association (WSDA), and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) have sent letters in support of three indoor tanning bills that would protect minors from the dangers of skin cancer. Washington House Bill (HB) 1585, Senate Bill (SB) 5455, and SB 5521 all aim to prohibit minors from using indoor tanning devices.

Additionally, the AADA and WSDA also supported two truth-in-advertising bills. HB 1586 and SB 5492 would require that all advertisements for health care services identify the type of professional license, certification, or registration held by the health care professional.

The Washington State Dermatology Association (WSDA), American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), and the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) have sent a letter to the Washington State House of Representatives strongly opposing House Bill (HB) 1779, which would allow master estheticians to perform cosmetic medical procedures, such as chemical peels and laser hair removal.

The AADA, along with the West Virginia Dermatologic Society (WVDS) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), submitted written comments to support Senate Bill 464. The bill would prohibit minors under 18 from using indoor tanning devices.

In March, the AADA sent a letter of support for Senate Bill 21. If enacted, this legislation would require health care professionals to wear identification badges that clearly inform patients of their names and titles when providing direct patient care.