HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5327

As Passed House - Amended:

April 8, 2003

Title: An act relating to dental hygienists.

Brief Description: Clarifying the scope of practice of a dental hygienist.

Sponsors: By Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Deccio, Thibaudeau and Parlette).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care: 3/20/03, 3/27/03 [DPA].

Floor Activity:

Passed House - Amended: 4/8/03, 95-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Campbell, Clibborn, Darneille, Moeller, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Dental hygienists are regulated by the Secretary of Health. They may perform dental services and operations under the supervision of a dentist including removing deposits and stains from the surfaces of teeth, applying topical preventative agents, and polishing and smoothing restorations. With an endorsement from the Department of Health, dental hygienists may apply sealants and fluoride varnishes in community-based sealant programs.

Summary of Amended Bill:

Licensed dental hygienists may apply antimicrobials in addition to the other services that they are authorized to provide. Licensed dental hygienists acting under the supervision of a licensed dentist are added to the definition of ‟practitioner” for purposes of regulating prescription drugs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This bill clarifies the scope of services that a dental hygienist may perform. The parties worked together to agree to the content of the bill.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Melissa Johnson, Washington State Dental Hygienists Association; and Linda Hull, Washington State Dental Association.