SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5535

                    As of February 17, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the provision of services by dental hygienists.

Brief Description:  Modifying dental hygienist practice.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Prentice.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/20/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Dental hygienists may administer topical fluoride and preventive agents and injectable and topical local anesthetics under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.  They may not purchase or prescribe legend drugs including injectable or topical anesthetics.

The Secretary of Health is the disciplinary authority for dental hygienists.  The dental hygiene examining committee is an advisory body for the secretary.

Summary of Bill:  Dental hygienists may obtain and administer topical fluoride and preventive agents and injectable and topical anesthetics.

The Dental Hygiene Quality Assurance Commission is created.  Membership includes three practicing dental hygienists and one public member appointed by the Governor.  All powers and responsibilities currently under the Dental Hygiene Examining Committee and the Secretary of Health are transferred to the new Dental Hygiene Quality Assurance Commission.

Licensed dental hygienists may obtain and administer preventive agents and anesthetics after receiving an unsupervised endorsement from the dental quality assurance commission.  Endorsement requirements are outlined.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 14, 1997.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1997.