Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1270
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: Making the board of denturists the disciplining authority for licensed denturists.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Schmick, Green, Harris, Cody and Ryu.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/13
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Licensed denturists are authorized to:
make, place, construct, alter, reproduce, or repair a denture;
take impressions and furnish or supply a denture directly to a person or advise the use of a denture, and maintain a facility for the same.
To be licensed, a denturist must either:
graduate from an approved educational program and pass an examination; or
be licensed in another state and provide proof of passage of examination.
The Board of Denturists (BOD) consists of seven members, four licensed denturists, two persons who are not affiliated with any health profession at least one of whom must be over the age of 65, and one licensed dentist. The BOD's duties include:
determining the qualifications of applicants;
prescribing, administering, and determining the requirements for examinations;
adopting rules;
providing requirements for continuing competency; and
evaluating and approving schools from which graduation is acceptable proof of an applicant's fulfillment of the required coursework for licensure.
The Secretary of of Health is the disciplining authority for licensed denturists under the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA). In addition to his or her duties under the UDA, the Secretary of Health must:
issue denturist licenses;
determine whether military experience is substantially equivalent to state licensing standards; and
determine license renewal requirements.
Summary of Bill:
The Board is made the disciplining authority for licensed Denturists under the UDA. Denturist-related duties assigned to the Secretary of Health are given to the Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed, except for section 8, designating the Board as the disciplining authority for licensing denturists, which takes effect July 1, 2016.