HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6138
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 House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to credential renewal requirements for dental professionals.
Brief Description: Allowing the Washington state dental quality assurance commission to adopt rules regarding credential renewal requirements for dental professionals.
Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Pedersen, Parlette and Kline; by request of Department of Health.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/24/14, 2/26/14 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Riccelli, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, G. Hunt, Jinkins, Manweller, Morrell, Rodne, Ross, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.
Staff: Jenna Zwang (786-7290) and Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) consists of 16 members each appointed by the Governor to a four-year term. Twelve members of the Commission must be dentists, two members must be expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDA), and two members must be public members. Dentist members must be licensed in the practice of dentistry for at least five years before appointment. Of the 12 dentists appointed to the Commission, at least four must reside or practice east of the Cascade mountain range.
The Commission is responsible for the following regulatory activities:
preparing the examinations for applicants to practice dentistry or EFDA services;
establishing continuing dental education requirements for dentists;
adopting rules that govern the dentists, dental assistants (DA) and EFDAs;
issuing or denying of licenses and credentials that allow dentists, DAs, and EFDAs to practice in Washington; and
conducting disciplinary proceedings against dentists, DAs, and EFDAs who are alleged to have committed acts of unprofessional conduct.
"Expanded function dental auxiliary" means a person who is licensed by the Commission to provide supportive services to a licensed dentist under the supervision of a dentist. "Dental assistant" means a person who is registered by the Commission to provide supportive services to a licensed dentist under the close supervision of a dentist.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Bill:
The Commission may adopt rules that set requirements for the credential renewal of dental professionals. These rules may include continuing education requirements for expanded function dental auxiliary licenses.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is fairly simple. It just asks for the Commission to be able to make rules around the continuing education of the EFDAs. All currently licensed dental professionals must complete continuing education except for EFDAs. This bill would give the Commission authority to require continuing education for them as well. Continuing education is important to ensure ongoing practitioner quality. EFDAs should be held to the same high quality standard of care as other dental professionals.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Barbara Bailey, prime sponsor; Kristi Weeks, Washington Department of Health.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.