SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5351
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 January 30, 2017
Title: An act relating to dental professions.
Brief Description: Concerning dental professions.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers and Cleveland; by request of Department of Health.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 1/30/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: The Washington 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.
Summary of Bill: The Commission is increased in overall size from 16 to 17 members. The additional member must be a public member.
The Commission is authorized to adopt rules for renewal requirements for a credential, including continuing education requirements for EFDAs.
The requirement that applicants for a dentist license submit a recent photo of themselves is removed.
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: The bill makes three important changes that helps the commission protect the public. The commission currently has the lowest ratio of public members of any healthcare board. The continuing education requirement is vital for protecting the health and safety of patients. The photo requirement is no longer necessary in the licensing process and is outdated.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Ann Rivers, Prime Sponsor; Colleen Madden, Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.