SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5751

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, February 09, 2009

Brief Description: Regarding the issuance of licenses to practice dentistry.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Fairley, Marr, Murray and Parlette.

Background: Current law provides the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) with the authority to issue a license to practice dentistry to persons authorized to practice in another state or country who become faculty members at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. The license to practice dentistry terminates once the holder is no longer a faculty member. The DQAC can (upon request) issue a limited license to practice dentistry to university residents in postgraduate dental education or postdoctorate residents in a dental residency program.

Summary of Bill: The DQAC is specifically named as having authority to issue a limited license to practice dentistry for university residents in postgraduate dental education or postdoctorate residents in commission-approved dental residency programs. This license only permits the resident to provide dental care related to that person's duties as a resident in a commission-approved program.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will allow the DQAC to approve of other residency programs for training purposes. Swedish Hospital has plans for a new program that will provide access to dental care for unserved individuals, and provide additional training for student dentists.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Linda Hull, Washington State Dental Association; Bart Johnson, Amy Winston, Swedish Medical Center.