Authorizes a licensed dental hygienist, collaborative practice to provide services without supervision in collaboration with a licensed dentist under a collaborative practice agreement.
Summary
Bill S03157 amends the education law to allow registered dental hygienists to provide dental services without direct supervision from a licensed dentist, provided they operate under a collaborative practice agreement. This agreement must be established between the dental hygienist and a licensed dentist, detailing the scope of services, patient care protocols, and the settings in which these services can be performed. The bill aims to enhance access to dental care, particularly in underserved areas, by allowing dental hygienists to work more autonomously while still maintaining a collaborative relationship with dentists.
Impact
The bill impacts state laws by redefining the practice of dental hygiene and allowing registered dental hygienists to operate in various settings such as hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities without direct supervision. It establishes a framework for collaborative practice agreements, which must be documented and reviewed annually. This change is expected to improve dental care accessibility, particularly for populations that may have difficulty accessing traditional dental services.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03157 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the voting history, which shows unanimous support in both the Senate and Assembly. The discussions indicate a recognition of the need for increased dental care access and the role that dental hygienists can play in achieving this goal. The bill's passage reflects a consensus on the importance of collaborative practice in the dental field.
Contention
While the bill has received broad support, there may be some contention regarding the extent of autonomy granted to dental hygienists. Concerns could arise from dental associations or practitioners who may feel that the lack of direct supervision could compromise patient care. However, the requirement for collaborative agreements and the stipulation that certain services still require dentist supervision may mitigate these concerns.
Same As
Authorizes a licensed dental hygienist, collaborative practice to provide services without supervision in collaboration with a licensed dentist under a collaborative practice agreement.
Authorizes a licensed dental hygienist, collaborative practice to provide services without supervision in collaboration with a licensed dentist under a collaborative practice agreement.
Authorizes a licensed dental hygienist, collaborative practice to provide services without supervision in collaboration with a licensed dentist under a collaborative practice agreement.
Authorizes the performance of certain dental hygiene services at voluntary foster care agency health facilities by a registered hygienist operating pursuant to a collaborative agreement between such hygienist and a dentist.
Authorizes the performance of certain dental hygiene services at voluntary foster care agency health facilities by a registered hygienist operating pursuant to a collaborative agreement between such hygienist and a dentist.
Authorizes radiologic technologists to perform radiography services under collaborative practice agreements; defines "collaborative practice agreement" as an agreement between a radiologic technologist and a licensed physician which does not require the direct supervision of the licensed physician when administering certain radiography services; sets forth requirements for collaborative practice agreements.