DHMH Proposed Revised Consent Form to Authorize Minor Use of Tanning Devices
The form has been revised as follows:
· The language has been simplified.
· The statement concerning risk and the consensus of the medical community about tanning for minors has been strengthened, including noting that indoor tanning can cause skin cancer.
· The parental/guardian consent section has been clearly separated from the section identifying the minor who is the subject of the form.
· The form requires presentation of an official government-issued identification as part of the verification process.
· The form expires after six months.
State law enacted in 2008 prohibits tanning facilities from allowing minors to use tanning devices without written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The proposed revisions to the form were made after the Secretary in 2012 sought initial comments on the current regulations and the consent form currently in use. Information about the comments received and the new proposed consent form is available here: http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/OEHFP/EH/SitePages/tanning-for-minors.aspx .
Secretary Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein stated, “The original 2008 law was passed in large part to give parents information about and control over the tanning of their children. As we have learned more about the risks of indoor tanning devices, especially for minors, the Department wants to be sure that parents are given clear, unambiguous information about the potential hazards of using artificial tanning devices.”
The Department is now requesting comment on the revised form. The Department will consider all submitted comments before finalizing revisions to the consent form, which is expected in fall 2013. Please submit comments to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Environmental Health Bureau, Attention Nancy Servatius, 201 West Preston Street, Third Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201. Comments may also be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phone, toll free, at 1-866-703-3266. All comments must be submitted by June 13, 2013.
