Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The state Education Department is changing its policy on sunscreen in schools. Instead of a doctor's note, all a student needs now is a parent's written permission.

Assemblyman Sean Ryan got the ball rolling on the change after hearing of two students in Washington state who were severely sunburned after they were told they could not use sunscreen on a field trip. The reasoning was sunscreen was viewed as an over-the-counter drug that required a doctor's prescription.

“There is no reason that sunscreen, something we use to prevent exposure to the sun, should be treated like any other over-the-counter drug,” said Ryan. “Kids should not have to take a break from protecting themselves from the sun while they are at school. Whether playing at recess on the playground, participating in sports outside, or on a school fieldtrip, children going to school should be able to use sunscreen with just a simple note from their parents, and should not be required to take the added step of getting a doctor’s permission. If a parent says their child can use sunscreen that should be adequate permission for a school. I am pleased that the State Education Department has agreed to my request and put a more common sense regulation in place which will provide easier access to sunscreen for students.”

New York joins California as the only state that allows students to use sunscreen without a doctor's note.