HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3088
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Amended by the Senate
Title: An act relating to dental assistant education and training programs.
Brief Description: Limiting the scope of chapter 18.260 RCW over certain dental assistant and education and training programs.
Sponsors: By Representatives Cody, Hinkle and Schual-Berke.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/31/08, 2/4/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/14/08, 93-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 3/4/08, 48-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, DeBolt, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Last session the Legislature passed HB 1099 (Chapter 269) which requires dental assistants
to register with the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) by July 1, 2008.
Dental assistants provide patient care and laboratory services as defined by the Commission.
These services may only be provided under the close supervision of a dentist.
To become registered as a dental assistant, an applicant must complete a form with
identifying information and pay a registration fee. Completion of a dental assisting education
program is not required to become registered as a dental assistant, but it is a requirement for
licensure as an expanded function dental auxiliary.
The registration requirements do not apply to the practice of dental assistants employed by
the federal government or expanded function dental auxiliary education and training
programs and the students enrolled in those programs.
Summary of Bill:
Dental assistant education and training programs and dental assisting students enrolled in
those programs are exempt from dental assistant regulations. Students are only exempt if
they practice under the direction and supervision of a registered dental assistant, licensed
expanded function dental auxiliary, licensed dental hygienist, or licensed dentist.
EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):
The exemption from dental assistant regulation for education programs and students in those
programs applies to programs approved by the Dental Commission, and schools approved or
licensed by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, Higher Education
Coordinating Board, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, or certified
Washington State Skills Centers. In addition, volunteer dental assistants that provide
services under the supervision of a dentist at charitable dental clinics are exempt from dental
assistant regulations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: None.