HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3088


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 Passed Legislature

Title: An act relating to dental assistant education and training programs.

Brief Description: Limiting the scope of chapter 18.260 RCW over certain dental assistant and education and training programs.

Sponsors: By Representatives Cody, Hinkle and Schual-Berke.

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/31/08, 2/4/08 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/14/08, 93-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 3/4/08, 48-0.
House Concurred.
Passed House: 3/8/08, 93-0.
Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Exempts dental assistant education programs, dental assistant students, and volunteer dental assistants from dental assistant regulations.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, DeBolt, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Last session the Legislature passed HB 1099 (Chapter 269) which requires dental assistants to register with the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) by July 1, 2008. Dental assistants provide patient care and laboratory services as defined by the Commission. These services may only be provided under the close supervision of a dentist.

To become registered as a dental assistant, an applicant must complete a form with identifying information and pay a registration fee. Completion of a dental assisting education program is not required to become registered as a dental assistant, but it is a requirement for licensure as an expanded function dental auxiliary.

The registration requirements do not apply to the practice of dental assistants employed by the federal government or expanded function dental auxiliary education and training programs and the students enrolled in those programs.


Summary of Bill:

Dental assistant education and training programs and dental assisting students enrolled in those programs are exempt from dental assistant regulations. Students are only exempt if they practice under the direction and supervision of a registered dental assistant, licensed expanded function dental auxiliary, licensed dental hygienist, or licensed dentist.

Volunteer dental assistants providing services under the supervision of a licensed dentist in a charitable dental clinic are exempt from dental assistant regulations.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.