HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1271

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 House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to the practice of denturism.

Brief Description: Concerning the practice of denturism.

Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Johnson, Morrell, Green, Harris, Cody, Ryu and Tharinger.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/5/13, 2/15/13 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Expands the types of services a licensed denturist may provide to include certain non-orthodontic removable oral devices and teeth whitening.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Morrell, Riccelli, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Manweller and Ross.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Licensed denturists are authorized to:

To be licensed, a denturist must either:

In 2012 the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a sunrise review to determine whether the scope of practice of denturists should be broadened to include:

The DOH concluded that denturists should be allowed to fabricate and fit mouth guards for teeth grinding (bruxism) or sports mouth guards if:

The DOH also concluded that:

The DOH was opposed to any other non-orthodontic removable oral devices because they may lead to denturists treating obstructive sleep apnea.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

A licensed denturist may:

Prior to being allowed to provide any of these services, a licensed denturist must provide documentation of education and training in providing the services, to be determined by rules adopted by the Board of Denturists.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill:

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on February 18, 2013.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2014.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is based on the recommendations in the sunrise review. The services authorized by this bill are similar to services denturists are already providing. The products that may be offered by denturists under this bill are already available to consumers over-the-counter. This bill does not apply to devices that will move teeth. This bill will lower costs and provide easier access to consumers.

(Opposed) Any device resting on the teeth can cause movement. Tooth movement caused by the devices allowed in this bill can lead to expensive orthodontic corrections. The definition of "non-orthodontic removable devices" is too broad. An examination by a dentist should be required before these devices can be distributed by denturists. This bill will adversely affect public safety.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Carolyn Logue, William Disantis, Vallan Charron, and Joseph Vize, Washington Denturist Association.

(Opposed) Bracken Killpack, and Rob Merrill, Washington State Dental Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.