SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5504

As of February 2, 2001

Title:  An act relating to licensed dental hygienists.

Brief Description:  Allowing dental hygienists to provide preventive oral health services to low‑income and functionally disabled persons.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau, Deccio, McAuliffe, Costa, Kohl‑Welles, Fraser and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/5/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  Under current law, dental hygienists perform services that are within their scope of practice under the supervision of a dentist.  However, there are specific settings where hygienists are authorized to perform certain procedures without dental supervision.  These include hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, group homes, and state-operated institutions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social and Health Services or the Department of Corrections.

Summary of Bill:  Licensed dental hygienists may perform certain procedures in any  home and community program for functionally disabled persons receiving long-term care, and at any sites used to carry out health care programs authorized by federal, state, or local governments or tribal agencies.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 31, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.