Description: The health care authority (HCA) intends to submit SPA 25-0002 in order to comply with ESHB 1678 (chapter 460, Laws of 2023), establishing the profession of dental therapist, whose practice is limited to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), tribal FQHCs, and FQHC lookalikes. Dental therapists must be licensed by the department of health and practice under the supervision of a dentist licensed in Washington or exempt from licensure under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and under a written practice plan contract (contract) with a supervising dentist.

SPA 25-0002 is expected to increase the annual aggregate expenditures/reimbursement/payment for these services by up to approximately $2,555,000.

SPA 25-0002 is in the development process; therefore, a copy is not yet available for review. HCA would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below by January 31, 2025 (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

Contact Jayson Diaz, Clinical Dental Program Manager, 628 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-1822, TRS 711, email Jayson.diaz@hca.wa.gov.