Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1576
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring the certification of dental anesthesia assistants.
Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Hinkle, Cody, Moeller, Green and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/9/11
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Dentists are licensed and subject to discipline by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). The practice of dentistry includes the performance of maxillofacial surgery, which is a specialty that includes the diagnosis and surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Licensed dentists may also perform conscious sedation and general anesthesia under certain circumstances. For example, to administer moderate or general anesthesia, a Dentist must obtain a permit of authorization from the DQAC. In order to obtain a permit, the Dentist must meet education and training requirements that vary depending on the type of anesthesia involved.
When a Dentist administers an anesthetic to a patient, a trained individual must be present to monitor the patient's cardiac and respiratory functions (for deep sedation and general anesthesia, the Dentist may serve as the monitor). A monitor must have at least 14 hours of training in the use of certain equipment, basic sciences, evaluation and preparation of patients with systemic diseases, anesthetic drugs and techniques, anesthesia equipment and monitoring, and office anesthesia emergencies.
If the Dentist does not have an anesthesia permit, another licensed Dentist, a Certified Nurse Anesthetist, or a Physician Anesthesiologist may provide the anesthesia services. The provider who provides the services is responsible for the anesthetic management of the patient. Dental Assistants and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries may not administer any general or local anesthetic.
Summary of Bill:
No person may practice or represent himself or herself as a Certified Dental Anesthesia Assistant (CDAA) without being certified by the DQAC. A CDAA may perform the following services under the supervision of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a dental anesthesiologist with a general anesthesia permit:
under close supervision:
initiating and discontinuing an intravenous line for a patient being prepared to receive intravenous medications, sedation, or general anesthesia; and
adjusting the rate of intravenous fluids infusion;
under direct visual supervision:
following instructions to deliver medication into an intravenous line upon verbal command;
adjusting an electronic device to provide medications; and
administering emergency medications.
In order to qualify for certification, a CDAA must:
complete a DQAC-approved dental anesthesia assistant training course, including intravenous access or phlebotomy;
complete a DQAC-approved basic life support/cardiac pulmonary resuscitation course; and
provide proof that the Dentist where he or she will work possesses a valid general anesthesia permit.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.