Rozar recognized as Wisconsin Dermatological Society Legislator of the Year

The Wisconsin Dermatological Society (WDS) has recognized Wisconsin Representative Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) as the organization’s Legislator of the Year for her leadership on critical health care policy in the state Assembly during the 2023-24 legislative session. The award recognizes state lawmakers who champion the WDS mission to promote and strengthen the practice of dermatology and the delivery of quality medical care in Wisconsin. Rozar was recently presented the award at the WDS spring meeting held in Stevens Point.

“The WDS understands that evidencebased policy decisions made at the State Capitol can help promote health, prevent disease, and strengthen patient safety, and we value our work with lawmakers like Rep. Rozar to improve the quality of medical care in Wisconsin,” said Alex Means, M.D., president-elect of the Wisconsin Dermatological Society. “We are so thankful for her legislative work and commitment to a healthier Wisconsin. She is a true champion for patients and providers across the state, and the WDS was excited to present her with our Legislator of the Year award.”

Rozar, who is a registered nurse by trade and a former nurse educator, was a legislative champion on key WDS issues during the recently completed Wisconsin legislative session. She authored preventive health legislation, which was ultimately signed into law, that requires 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain parental consent prior to using tanning beds at commercial tanning facilities. The use of tanning beds is directly linked to skin cancer, and young people, who are still developing, are at a higher risk of skin damage. Using UV-emitting tanning equipment before age 20 can significantly increase the chances of developing melanoma.

“I am honored to receive this award and proud to champion this issue in the Assembly. As someone who believes parents need to be involved in their children’s decisions, this legislation provides an additional opportunity to have a conversation about the dangers of artificial tanning,” said Rozar. “I hope parents will educate themselves on the long-term health risks associated with using tanning beds and reduce the growing skin cancer rates in young adults.”

Rozar, who was first elected to the Assembly in the fall if 2020 and currently serves as vice-chair of the Assembly Health, Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, also voted against legislation that would have expanded the role of mid-level health care practitioners without requiring increased clinical experience and ensuring patient safety. Rozar said that while she supports expanding access to care and strengthening Wisconsin’s health care workforce, she also believes those efforts must include adequate care quality and patient safety measures.

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