CSHB 127(FIN) Summary

• Establishes advanced practice permits for licensed dental hygienists with minimum 4,000 documented hours of clinical experience, enabling them to provide preventive care, therapeutic treatments, and limited independent practice without dentist supervision.

• Allows dental hygienists with advanced practice permits to practice independently and provide services to patients in designated settings (senior facilities, schools, correctional facilities, dental health professional shortage areas, homebound patients) without physical presence or authorization of a dentist.

• Dental hygienists with advanced practice permits may prescribe fluoride and antibacterial rinses, perform nonsurgical periodontal therapy with local anesthesia if certified, screen for oral cancer, and delegate specific tasks to dental assistants.

• Prohibits unfair discrimination against advanced practice dental hygienists in group health insurance coverage and adds dental hygiene services as an optional Medicaid benefit under medical assistance programs.

• Takes effect January 1, 2021, with regulations to be adopted by the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Department of Health and Social Services, and Board of Dental Examiners.