2020 Regular Session

ByRepresentatives Caldier, Leavitt, Harris, Cody, and Davis

Read first time 01/15/20.Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

AN ACT Relating to protecting patients from certain unsafe dental practices; and adding a new section to chapter 18.32 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 18.32 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A treating dentist shall, prior to the initial diagnosis and correction of malpositions of human teeth or initial use of orthodontic appliances, perform an in-person examination that includes the review of the patient's most recent diagnostic digital or conventional radiographs or other equivalent bone imaging suitable for orthodontia. New radiographs or other equivalent bone imaging must be ordered if deemed appropriate by the treating dentist.

(2) A patient receiving dental services through telemedicine must be provided with the name, telephone number, practice address, and Washington state license number of the dentist who will be involved in the provision of the services. The information must be provided both prior to the provision of services and whenever requested by the patient. For purposes of this subsection, "telemedicine" means the delivery of health care services through the use of interactive audio and video technology, permitting real-time communication between the patient at the originating site and the provider, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

(3) A provider of dental services may not require a patient to sign an agreement that limits the patient's ability to file a complaint with the commission.

(4) Violation of this section constitutes unprofessional conduct for purposes of chapter 18.130 RCW.