The board of health in Delaware County, Ind., is the latest to overstep other governing authorities that are in place to monitor the area’s indoor tanning businesses. Although the latter is regulated by the State Board of Cosmetology Examiners, the Health Department maintains that the state law enforcement regarding this area is “inadequate.”
Even though two of the county’s three commissioners objected, the county board of health recently adopted a resolution giving its staff authority to inspect tanning establishments. If the commissioners would have been on board, they could have enacted an ordinance supporting the health board’s role in the inspection process. This would have given the measure increased viability, such as providing for civil penalties.
The resolution states that the use of indoor tanning equipment poses a health risk. Local health officials claim the state is not enforcing laws such as:
•posting warning signs
•confirming those under 18 to have written permission from a guardian or parent to tan
•requiring customers under the age of 16 to have a guardian present when tanning
There are four state cosmetology board employees who previously handled these inspections, but beyond tanning salons, their charge also includes nail salons, beauty parlors and other businesses. County health board members felt this wasn’t adequate, and point to the establishment of the laws themselves as evidence of the need to prioritize enforcement through inspections.
The attorney for the county health board also serves as a county commissioner. He would have supported the health board’s ordinance, but his two commissioner colleagues opposed it on the grounds of “too much government in people’s lives.” Their preference was that parents monitor their children’s activity in this area. Beyond the role of parents, the two commissioners look to the state’s regulations, which provide clear laws with suitable penalties. Ultimately, they believe that if any changes need to occur, they should come top-down from the state’s legislators. This would promote unity of the law and its enforcement across Indiana, and discourage migration of businesses to neighboring counties based on varying policies.
Bob Jones, administrator of the county health department, encouraged the board of health to support the resolution. He reminded them of Delaware County’s role in regulating tattoo parlors. It was the first county to do so, and eventually, the entire state got on board.
A couple officials in the region have gone on record saying the health board can manage the new burden of inspections without needing to increase its staff. However, with no power to enforce violations through their own means, the results of any inspection violations may remain to be seen.
Related Article:
It’s Official: Howard County, Md., Bans Under-18 Tanning
Source:
thestarpress.com: Health board declares indoor tanning a 'health hazard'
