SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1782

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 of March 20, 2017

Title: An act relating to dental laboratories.

Brief Description: Concerning dental laboratories.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Stonier, Harris, Cody, Schmick and Caldier).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/17, 96-1.

Committee Activity: Health Care: 3/20/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates a registration program for dental laboratories.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)

Background: Dentists are licensed and disciplined by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). In order to be licensed, a dentist must:

A licensed dentist may perform a variety of services, including diagnosing, treating, removing stains or concentrations from the teeth; operating or prescribing for any oral disease, pain, injury, deficiency, deformity, or physical condition; and furnishing, supplying, constructing, reproducing, or repairing any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to be worn in the human mouth.

A dental laboratory is a facility that manufactures dental care products. Products typically produced by dental laboratories include bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Summary of Bill: A dental laboratory is a facility that makes, repairs, alters or supplies artificial restorations, substitutions, appliances or materials for the correction of issues in the mouth.

Dental labs operating in Washington must register with DQAC and pay an established fee. A dental lab is considered operating or doing business in Washington, if its work product is prepared pursuant to a work order or work authorization originating in Washington. This does not apply to a dental laboratory being operated under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in-office.

All dental labs operating in Washington must apply for registration and pay an annual fee to DQAC. The application for registration must include, among other items, acknowledgements that the lab will provide a disclosure to the prescribing dentist that contains the manufacturer and brand name of all patient contact materials contained in the prescribed restoration, and acknowledgements that the licensed dentist or supervisor will disclose the point of origin of the manufacture.

The dental lab, following registration, shall use its dental registration number on all invoices or other lab correspondence. A dentist must include the registration number of the lab on the dentist's work.

To be eligible for dental lab registration, the applicant must have one employee who works at least 30 hours per week and has either: (1) completed 12 hours of continuing education in dental laboratory technology; or (2) is certified by the national board for certification in dental laboratory technology as a certified dental technician.

Beginning in January 2023, DQAC may not issue a dental lab registration to a lab unless the lab employs a certified dental technician.

Registration must be renewed annually before July 31st.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill comes from the dental labs who are asking to regulate themselves for the purpose of patient safety. There is no reporting currently on the manufacture of these products or materials used. Dentists are ultimately responsible to their patients for the appliances they install. However, without regulatory provisions for dental labs, there is the possibility of counterfeiting to occur. The dental lab industry is in support of this bill. This is a transparency bill. Ten other states have some form of regulatory provisions for dental labs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Monica Jurado Stonier, Prime Sponsor; Brad Tower, Washington State Dental Laboratory Association; Matthew Chapman, WSDLA Pres.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.