MDSA Advocacy & Legislative Priorities

Missouri Dermatological Society Association (MDSA) Advocacy Priorities are those identified as most critical to the practice of Dermatological Care – and more importantly, the safety and wellbeing of those we serve.

Missouri prioritizes certain legislative agenda items each year and also work to support the Advocacy Agenda of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

MISSOURI LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

 

Allowing Students to Use Sunscreen in School, at After-School Activities & Youth Camps without a Doctor’s Notes

Currently, there is nothing in Missouri law that addresses students’ ability to use sunscreen in school and at after-school activities. This leaves the decisions up to the individual school, and subsequently many schools prohibit their students from administering their own sunscreen.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention believe that school policies that prohibit student possession can create barriers to the use of important sun protection methods.

Proposed legislation would allow students to possess and self-apply sunscreen that is regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. School employees shall not be liable for any adverse reaction or for acting in accordance with statute, but may assist students in applying sunscreen.

Prohibiting Children Under the Age of 18 to use Tanning Bed Facilities

Existing state law defines tanning devices and tanning facilities and prohibits their use for anyone under seventeen years of age.  

MDSA proposed legislation amends this current law to prohibit any person under the age of eighteen years of age from using a tanning device of any tanning facility in the state. It will also put more consumer protections in statute, including required notice in tanning facilities about the associated health risks; required use protective eyewear while using tanning devices; and required ability for the customer to turn off the device during use.

 

American Academy of Dermatology Association Priorities:

 

  • Anatomic Pathology Billing Appropriate Coverage and Reimbursement

  • Biosimilar Substitution

  • Cosmetic Procedures Taxes and Medical Provider Taxes

  • Electronic Health Records Implementation

  • Indoor Tanning Regulation

  • Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

  • Medical Liability Reform

  • Medical Research Funding

  • Medical Spa Standards of Practice

  • Medicare Physician Payment Reform/Global Periods and Fee-for-Service

  • Network Adequacy and Transparency

  • Office-Based Surgery

  • Pharmaceutical Access and Affordability

  • Regulatory Relief Under MACRA

  • Relief from Burdensome Regulations affecting the Practice of Medicine

  • Scope-of-Practice

  • Skin Cancer Prevention

  • Telemedicine

Learn more about the AADA’s Advocacy Priorities, Policies, and Position Statements on their website.