HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1493

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Title: An act relating to dental hygienists.

Brief Description: Clarifying the scope of practice of a dental hygienist.

Sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Cody and Skinner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care: 2/11/03, 2/27/03 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Campbell, Clibborn, Darneille, Edwards, Moeller, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Dental hygienists are regulated by the Secretary of Health. They may perform dental services and operations under the supervision of a dentist including removing deposits and stains from the surfaces of teeth, applying topical preventative agents, and polishing and smoothing restorations. With an endorsement from the Department of Health, dental hygienists may apply sealants and fluoride varnishes in community-based sealant programs.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Licensed dental hygienists may apply antimicrobials in addition to the other services that they are authorized to provide.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The placement of antimicrobials by a dental hygienist at the order of a dentist and under a dentist’s supervision is reconciled with current laws regarding prescription drugs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This is a minor increase in service, but one that will benefit the public. This practice helps prevent periodontal disease.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: (In support) Representative Campbell, prime sponsor; Susan Savage and Melissa Johnson, Washington State Dental Hygienists Association; Bonnie King, Department of Health; and Gary Allen, Columbia Dental Group.

(With concerns) Linda Hull, Washington State Dental Association.