HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 1586
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 Passed House:
February 28, 2017
Title: An act relating to dental professions.
Brief Description: Concerning dental professions.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Macri and Cody; by request of Department of Health).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/14/17, 2/17/17 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/28/17, 98-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Graves, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, MacEwen, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Slatter, Stonier and Tharinger.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Licensed Dentists.
A licensed dentist may perform a variety of services, including diagnosing, treating, removing stains or concentrations from the teeth; operating or prescribing for any oral disease, pain, injury, deficiency, deformity, or physical condition; and furnishing, supplying, constructing, reproducing, or repairing any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to be worn in the human mouth.
Dentists are licensed and disciplined by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). In order to be licensed, a dentist must:
submit proof of graduation from a dental college, school, or dental department of an institution approved by the DQAC;
submit a recent picture; and
pass an examination.
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
The DQAC consists of 16 members who serve four-year terms. Twelve of the members are dentists, two are expanded function dental auxiliaries, and two are public members.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
Licensed Dentists.
The requirement that an applicant for licensure as a dentist submit a recent photo is eliminated.
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
The membership of the Dental Quality Assurance Commission is increased by one public member.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) has the lowest public member ratio of any commission. Public members add value to the regulatory process. Expanded function dental auxiliaries provide clinical functions under a dentist and must be held to the same standard of care. This bill will authorize continuing education for expanded function dental auxiliaries. The requirement that an applicant submit a photo to the DQAC is outdated and unnecessary.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Macri, prime sponsor; and Paul Bryan, Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.