Resolve, To Amend the Pilot Project for Independent Practice Dental Hygienists To Process Radiographs in Underserved Areas of the State

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  Resolve 2011, chapter 67 established a pilot project for independent practice dental hygienists to expose and process radiographs in underserved areas of the State; and

Whereas,  Resolve 2011, chapter 67 did not prohibit any type of radiograph from being processed by independent practice dental hygienists under the pilot project; and

Whereas,  the Board of Dental Examiners has adopted rules to implement Resolve 2011, chapter 67 that do not comport with legislative intent; and

Whereas,  it is critical that the Legislature provide essential guidance to the Board of Dental Examiners regarding the intended scope of the pilot project in order for the board to amend those rules accordingly; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Resolve 2011, c. 67, §1, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 2011, c. 67, §1 is amended by adding after the 2nd paragraph the following:

The rules for the pilot project must allow an independent practice dental hygienist to expose and process all dental radiographs, including but not limited to:

1. Vertical and horizontal bitewing films;

2. Periapical films;

3. Panoramic images; and

4. Full-mouth series.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

Summary

Resolve 2011, chapter 67 established a pilot project for independent practice dental hygienists to expose and process radiographs in underserved areas of the State and authorized the Board of Dental Examiners to adopt rules to implement the pilot project. This resolve clarifies that the rules for the pilot project must allow an independent practice dental hygienist to expose and process all dental radiographs, including but not limited to vertical and horizontal bitewing films, periapical films, panoramic images and full-mouth series.