Bill Text: HI HB374 | 2017 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Dental Assistants.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-07-07 - Act 084, 07/05/2017 (Gov. Msg. No. 1185). [HB374 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2017-HB374-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
374 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO DENTAL ASSISTANTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that existing law permits duly licensed and registered dentists to employ auxiliary personnel, known as dental assistants, to assist a dentist in the dentist's practice. Like dental hygienists, dental assistants are a valuable part of a dental team. However, dental assistants are not currently licensed or certified in Hawaii and are not required to meet the same stringent standards of training and care as licensed dental hygienists. The legislature notes that some concerns have been raised over proposed expansion by rule of the duties of a dental assistant and whether those duties would overlap with duties currently within the scope of practice for licensed dental hygienists.
The legislature additionally finds that it is important for those in the field of dentistry to be aware of and adhere to legislatively determined parameters regarding the duty and scope of practice for licensed dental hygienists. It is also important that unlicensed persons do not infringe upon any licensed profession's scope of practice. The legislature also finds that the training and education for dental assistants are important. However, it is not appropriate for unlicensed auxiliary personnel to be expected or required to perform duties, activities, or functions that, if performed by a dental hygienist, would require licensure.
The legislature further finds that because of these complex issues, many states have either required the registration of dental assistants while other states have enacted full licensure for the profession to better determine the scope of practice and to protect consumers. Because of the growing number of jurisdictions that have adopted some form of regulation in this complex area, the legislature believes it is prudent to re-examine this issue again through a sunrise analysis as required under section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the auditor to conduct a sunrise analysis of establishing licensure and certification requirements for dental assistants.
SECTION 2. The auditor shall perform a sunrise analysis of establishing licensure and certification requirements for dental assistants in accordance with section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, including the probable effects of such licensure and certification requirements, an assessment of whether the enactment of such regulation is consistent with the policies set forth in section 26H-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and an assessment of alternative forms of regulation.
The auditor shall submit a report of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Dental Assistants; Licensing
Description:
Requires the Auditor to conduct a sunrise analysis of establishing licensure and certification requirements for dental assistants. (HB374 HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
