WSR 21-15-114
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Dental Quality Assurance Commission)
[Filed July 21, 2021, 8:42 a.m., effective August 28, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: August 28, 2021.
Purpose: WAC 246-817-580 Novel coronavirus disease 2019 screening. The dental quality assurance commission (commission) adopted a new, permanent rule to allow a dentist to delegate novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) screening tests to dental staff under appropriate supervision and demonstration of competency.
In response to COVID-19, the commission determined screening for the disease is essential to dental practice safety. Dentistry produces large amounts of aerosols and it is important for dentists to appropriately screen patients prior to dental treatment. Delegating patient COVID-19 screening tests assists dentists by reducing their workload to effectively continue dental care to patients. Knowing a patient's COVID-19 screening test result helps dentists prepare appropriate oral health treatment planning for the patient and maintain a safe work environment.
As dental procedures are proceeding during this pandemic, there is an influx of patients needing dental care and a greater need of the dental workforce. Delegating COVID-19 screening tests under appropriate supervision to credentialed dental staff allows dentists to provide safe dental care to more patients.
The commission filed emergency rule making for COVID-19 screening tests on April 30, 2021, as WSR 21-10-058. The commission intends for the emergency rule to remain in place until the permanent rule is effective.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 246-817-580.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 21-09-040 on April 13, 2021.
A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Jennifer Santiago, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-4893, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email jennifer.santiago@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov/dental, dental@doh.wa.gov.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: June 25, 2021.
David L. Carsten, DDS, Chairperson
Dental Quality Assurance Commission
OTS-2716.3
NEW SECTION
WAC 246-817-580Novel coronavirus disease 2019 screening.
(1) A supervising dentist may delegate the administration of a test for screening of novel coronavirus disease 2019 to a registered dental assistant and licensed expanded function dental auxiliary under the dentist's close supervision, provided the registered dental assistant and licensed expanded function dental auxiliary have demonstrated skills necessary to perform the task competently.
(2) A supervising dentist may delegate the administration of a test for screening of novel coronavirus disease 2019 to a licensed dental hygienist under the dentist's general supervision, provided the licensed dental hygienist has demonstrated skills necessary to perform the task competently.