The state of Washington doesn’t have any formal legislation regarding teenage tanners, but a new bill aims to change that. The proposed bill bypasses parental consent, putting the onus on physicians, as a doctor’s prescription would be required for anyone under the age of 18 to use indoor tanning equipment.
One area salon owner is skeptical about the government having a voice that completely silences that of the parent. Requiring parental permission is one thing – prohibiting the activity altogether and/or allowing a physician to make the call is another.
Some medical doctors have been known to prescribe tanning for ailments such as chronic pain or a skin disease such as psoriasis.
There are less than a dozen states that don’t regulate the tanning industry. Although Washington state is among them, it does have legislation in place to monitor the activities of tattoo parlors and hair salons. It’s estimated that the cost of implementing such a bill will be near the half-million dollar mark.
Related Articles:
Baltimore County Votes Down Teen Tan Ban
It’s Official: Howard County, Md., Bans Under-18 Tanning
Sources:
KGW.com: Proposed bill would ban teens from tanning salons in Wash.
