SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1270

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 of March 27, 2013

Title: An act relating to making the board of denturists the disciplining authority for licensed denturists.

Brief Description: Making the board of denturists the disciplining authority for licensed denturists.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Schmick, Green, Harris, Cody and Ryu).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/13, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Health Care: 3/26/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)

Background: Denturists are licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) and may: make, place, construct, alter, reproduce, or repair a denture; take impressions and furnish or supply a denture directly to a person; advise the use of a denture; and maintain a facility for the same.

The Board of Denturists (BOD) consists of seven members: four licensed denturists, two persons who are not affiliated with any health profession at least one of whom must be over the age of 65, and one licensed dentist. BOD's duties include determining the qualifications of applicants; prescribing, administering, and determining the requirements for examinations; adopting rules; providing requirements for continuing competency; and evaluating and approving schools from which graduation is acceptable proof of an applicant's fulfillment of the required coursework for licensure.

The Secretary of the Department of Health (Secretary) is the disciplining authority for licensed denturists under the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) and must also issue denturist licenses, determine whether military experience is substantially equivalent to state licensing standards, and determine license renewal requirements.

Summary of Bill: BOD is made the disciplining authority for licensed denturists under the UDA. Denturist-related duties assigned to the Secretary are given to BOD, except for the issuance of licenses.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except for section 8 which takes effect July 1, 2016.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Denturists should be able to handle their own discipline as other professions currently do. Disciplinary actions increase costs for the profession and this could reduce costs. Peer review of the profession would reduce time and costs of disciplinary actions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Carolyn Logue, WA Denturist Assn.; Pat Carbone, Lily Denture Center.