Bill Text: TX HB1581 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the regulation of dental assistants.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-03 - Referred to Public Health [HB1581 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HB1581-Introduced.html

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82R8560 SLB-D
By: Brown H.B. No. 1581

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of dental assistants.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 265.002, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(d) The supervision, direction, and responsibility
requirements of this section may not be construed to prohibit a
registered dental assistant from engaging in the practice of a
dental assistant as an independent contractor.
SECTION 2. Section 265.003(a), Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) A dental assistant who is not professionally licensed
may [be employed by and] work in the office of a licensed and
practicing dentist and perform one or more delegated dental acts
under:
(1) the direct supervision, direction, and
responsibility of the dentist, including:
(A) the application of a pit and fissure sealant;
(B) coronal polishing, if the dental assistant
holds a certificate under Section 265.006; and
(C) the application of fluoride varnish; or
(2) the general supervision, direction, and
responsibility of the dentist, limited to:
(A) the making of dental x-rays in compliance
with Section 265.005; and
(B) the provision of interim treatment of a minor
emergency dental condition to an existing patient of the treating
dentist.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.