SB1217 Summary

• Modifies Basic Life Support (BLS) certification requirements for dentist and dental hygienist license renewal by removing the requirement that BLS be "by an organization that has adopted the American Heart Association's guidelines" and instead providing certification standards by rule.

• Limits BLS training to 4 hours maximum per licensure period toward continuing education requirements and authorizes the Department to provide exemptions for individuals with physical disabilities precluding BLS performance.

• Expands the definition of dental practice to include taking impressions and placing hands in mouths for teeth whitening applications, but creates an exemption for unlicensed individuals who disclose their status and only discuss, instruct on, or provide equipment for consumer self-application of whitening materials.

• Modifies dental assistant supervision standards by clarifying that the 4-assistant limit applies to total dental assistants and dental hygienists performing expanded functions under items (2), (4), and (7) of the supervision rules.

• Expands dental assistant duties to include monitoring of conscious sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthetics (in addition to nitrous oxide) after completion of an approved training program.