SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5774

BYSenators Tanner and Anderson

Requiring permanent identification markings on dentures and removable dental prosthesis.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                  March 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In nursing homes where many residents may have dentures, staff does mass cleaning of all dentures and it is easy to mismatch the denture with the proper owner.  Also, dentures are misplaced and some residents forget where they put them.

In order to make sure that the proper owners maintain use of their own dentures, the requirement of a permanent owner identification mark is recommended.  This would also assist forensic dentists in identifying dead bodies.

SUMMARY:

Every denture shall be marked by a dentist or dental laboratory with permanent identification of the person who wears the denture.  Dentures not marked prior to this law shall be marked when returned for any rebasing.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. Peter Hampl, Forensic Dentist; Jim Goche, Washington Association of County Officials