Advocacy Update March 17, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / March 17, 2026
Academy frustrated as FDA withdraws proposed rule on sunlamp regulation
AADA presses Tennessee legislators to oppose optometry scope expansion
Regulatory Advocacy
Academy frustrated as FDA withdraws proposed rule on sunlamp regulation
The AADA is disappointed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew its proposed rule on sunlamp regulation, which would have restricted individuals under 18 from using sunlamps and require all prospective users to read and sign a risk acknowledgement certification before use.
The AADA released a statement from President Susan Taylor, MD, FAAD, to express its regrets.
“Exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, as well as nonmelanoma skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk rises with each use. Adolescents who begin indoor tanning before age 18 are also more likely to continue their behavior into adulthood…We encourage the reintroduction of the proposed rule by the FDA.”
Regulatory Advocacy
AADA pushes FDA for iPLEDGE modifications
The AADA continues to encourage the FDA to implement the updated changes to the iPLEDGE Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.
On March 6, the AADA sent a letter thanking the FDA (PDF) for supporting these reforms and urged the agency to collaborate with key stakeholders, including dermatologists, to ensure the implementation of these changes meaningfully improves safe access to isotretinoin. It also encouraged greater transparency regarding the outcomes and performance of the iPLEDGE REMS program by sharing program data and insights with stakeholders to help inform ongoing improvements.
The changes will go into effect around mid-August of 2026. Until then, FDA will exercise enforcement discretion regarding pregnancy testing requirements, allowing prescribers to use pregnancy tests that are not performed in CLIA-certified laboratories, and permit patients to complete and report home pregnancy tests during and after isotretinoin treatment, if procedures are established to ensure accurate documentation of at-home pregnancy test results.
Regulatory Advocacy
Dermatology meets with CMS to address SRT LCD concerns
The Academy continues to advocate for changes to Medicare Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) governing the use of superficial radiation therapy (SRT) for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers. As part of these efforts, the Academy escalated the issue to CMS and met with agency officials on March 11 to discuss concerns regarding restrictive training requirements included in the policies.
During the meeting, CMS officials thanked the Academy for raising the issue, acknowledged the challenges the policy has created for dermatologists performing SRT, and noted that they are currently working with the MACs toward a solution expected to be publicized soon.
The LCDs that were issued by five Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) — NGS, WPS, Palmetto, Noridian, and CGS — recognize dermatologists as qualified physicians to perform SRT but require that training be obtained exclusively through residency or fellowship programs. The Academy continues to urge the MACs to revise the training requirement language and anticipates a swift CMS solution. Member questions can be sent to regulatory@aad.org.
State Advocacy
AADA presses Tennessee legislators to oppose optometry scope expansion
The AADA continues to fight scope expansion one state a time.
The Academy sent a letter (PDF) to the Tennessee House Health Committee opposing HB 1952, which would expand the scope of practice of optometrists to include laser surgery and ability to inject potent pharmaceuticals.
The House bill was heard on March 10, and a vote was not taken. The Senate companion awaits a vote by the full chamber.
State Advocacy
Indiana enacts downcoding, medical spa legislation
The Indiana Academy of Dermatology was instrumental in the enactment of two AADA state advocacy priorities, bills placing guardrails around downcoding (PDF) and establishing medical spa (PDF) standards of practice. The AADA provided advocacy support and draft testimony.
Downcoding may not target physicians that routinely treat patients with complex or chronic conditions. Insurers are prohibited from using artificial intelligence as the sole basis to downcode a claim based on medical necessity.
The medical spa bill creates safety standards and a public database of medical spas. Medical spas will be regulated by the medical board.
Governor Mike Braun signed both bills, which are effective July 1, 2026.
AADA News
Join us at SkinPAC Annual Meeting events
SkinPAC is excited to host two events to thank our 2026 donors at the Annual Meeting in Denver this month. Our annual SkinPAC Donor Reception will take place at Tamayo Restaurant (1400 Larimer St.) on March 26 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and is open to all 2026 SkinPAC members who contribute $250+ and residents who contribute $25+. RSVP to skinpac@aad.org.
SkinPAC will also host our annual SkinPAC Donor Lounge, open to all 2026 members at the Silver ($1,000) level and above ($100 for residents). The lounge will be Room 111/113 of the Colorado Convention Center and will serve as a fun place to relax and connect with colleagues during the Annual Meeting, as well as enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The lounge will be open during exhibit hall hours on March 27 and 28 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. on March 29.
Contribute online at skinpac@aad.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777.
Membership dues money cannot be used for political purposes, so your personal contribution to SkinPAC is critical. As of March 12, SkinPAC has raised $283,361 from 297 individuals. Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
The political purpose of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Political Action Committee ("SkinPAC") is to solicit and receive contributions to be used to make political campaign expenditures to those candidates for elective office, and other federal political committees, who demonstrate understanding and interest in the view and goals of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Contributions to SkinPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to SkinPAC must be made from your funds and may not be reimbursed. SkinPAC cannot accept contributions from corporate accounts. Any recommended contribution amount is merely a suggestion. All AADA members have the right to contribute more or less or refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits us from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, physical address, occupation, and name of the employer whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
