HB 3088

SENATE 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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 25, 2008

Brief Description: Limiting the scope of chapter 18.260 RCW over certain dental assistant and education and training programs.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Marr.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Parlette.

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 (Recommended Amendments): Students enrolled in dental assistant programs are exempt from dental assistant regulations if they are in a program approved by the Commission or in a school approved or licensed by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, or the Washington State Skill Centers certified by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. 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.

Volunteer dental assistants providing services under the supervision of a licensed dentist at a charitable dental clinic are also exempt from dental assistant regulations, as determined by the Commission in rule.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): The authority is shifted from the Secretary of the Department of Health to the Dental Commission, the entity regulating dental assistants. Some dental assisting programs are approved without the necessity of rule-making. The Dental Commission retains the authority to approve other programs. A volunteer dental assistant providing services under the supervision of a licensed dentist at a charitable dental clinic may be exempt from registration, as established by the Dental Commission in rule.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill and Recommended Amendments: PRO: The dental association and the schools have worked together to clarify the language that was in the bill passed last year, requiring dental assistants to register. This change will allow students to be exempt from registering because they are not yet eligible to register. An additional request for clarification for volunteer assistants to be exempt from registration is also appropriate.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Linda Hull, Washington State Dental Association; Gail McGaffick, Corinthian Colleges, Inc.