SB 22-058 Summary

• Creates a mandatory peer health assistance program for Colorado dental hygienists, effective July 1, 2023, funded by annual fees not to exceed $15 per year (adjustable to $25 maximum based on inflation).

• Requires all dental hygienist applicants for initial licensure or renewal to pay fees to a nonprofit administering entity selected by the Department, which distributes funds to designated peer assistance providers.

• Designated providers must offer education, problem identification, evaluation and treatment referrals, monitoring, and counseling services for dental hygienists with physical, emotional, or psychological problems affecting their ability to practice.

• Allows dental hygienists to self-refer to the program or be referred by the Board; Board may immediately suspend the license of those referred by the Board who fail to attend or complete the program, with appeal rights to the dental hygienist.

• Dental hygienists arrested for drug or alcohol-related offenses must self-refer to the program within 30 days; confidential evaluations cannot be used as evidence in proceedings other than before the Board.