(11/14/06) WOODBURY - A state law designed to regulate teenage use of tanning salons created some confusion Tuesday when it went into effect.

Children under the age of 14 are no longer allowed to use indoor tanning salons, regardless of parental consent. The law also requires adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 to submit a signed parental permission form, which needs to be renewed annually. Legislation exists in both Nassau and Suffolk counties that prevents younger people from using tanning salons, which are often linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. The new law forces the county to conform to the state's regulations.

Although the law comes down statewide, enforcement will be performed by local municipalities. New York State Department of Health officials admit they have yet to distribute details of enforcement and punishment to county offices. They say this will delay the practical implementation of the law until at least early next year.