HEA 1061 Summary

• Effective July 1, 2014, amends Indiana Code definitions and regulations governing dental hygienist practice and supervision requirements.

• Establishes "prescriptive supervision" as an alternative to direct supervision, allowing licensed dentists to not be physically present when a dental hygienist provides care if the hygienist has completed at least 2 years of active practice and the dentist has examined the patient within specified timeframes (7 months for dental offices, 45 days for other settings).

• Permits dental hygienists to provide screening and referrals without supervision in public health settings and to provide dental hygiene instruction and training without restriction on location.

• Prohibits dental hygienists from using lasers to provide treatment to patients.

• Requires the state board of dentistry to report to the legislative council by October 1, 2017 on the effectiveness of prescriptive supervision laws and any needed changes.