An Act To Provide Rule-making Powers and Increased Authority over Dental Hygienists to the Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §1073, sub-§2, as amended by PL 1997, c. 107, §4, is further amended to read:
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §1077-A is enacted to read:
§ 1077-A. Disciplinary actions involving dental hygienists
Notwithstanding section 1077, the Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists, referred to in this section as "the subcommittee," has exclusive jurisdiction over all disciplinary actions or other actions regarding noncompliance with or violation of this chapter, or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, by a licensed dental hygienist, independent practice dental hygienist, dental hygiene therapist, registered dental hygienist or dental hygienist with public health supervision status, referred to in this section as "the licensee."
The subcommittee shall notify the licensee of the content of a complaint filed against the licensee as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days from receipt of this information. The licensee shall respond within 30 days. If the licensee's response to the complaint satisfies the subcommittee that the complaint does not merit further investigation or action, the matter may be dismissed, with notice of the dismissal to the complainant, if any.
If, in the opinion of the subcommittee, the factual basis of the complaint is or may be true, and the complaint is of sufficient gravity to warrant further action, the subcommittee may request an informal conference with the licensee. The subcommittee shall provide the licensee with adequate notice of the conference and of the issues to be discussed. The conference must be conducted in executive session of the subcommittee, pursuant to Title 1, section 405, unless otherwise requested by the licensee. Statements made at the conference may not be introduced at a subsequent formal hearing unless all parties consent.
If the subcommittee finds that the factual basis of the complaint is true and is of sufficient gravity to warrant further action, it may take any of the following actions it considers appropriate:
Notwithstanding Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5, any nonconsensual revocation of a license by a dental adjudicatory panel pursuant to Title 10, section 8003 may be imposed only after a hearing conforming to the requirements of Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4 and is subject to judicial review exclusively in the Superior Court in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7. The subcommittee retains the authority to take any other action pursuant to this section and Title 10, section 8003 regarding the disposition of any complaint that does not involve an adjudicatory hearing.
(1) Engaged in conduct that evidences a lack of ability or fitness to perform the duties owed by the licensee to a client or patient or the general public; or
(2) Engaged in conduct that evidences a lack of knowledge or inability to apply principles or skills to carry out the practice for which the licensee is licensed;
Sec. 3. 32 MRSA §1079, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. A, §2, is further amended to read:
The subcommittee shall annually elect a chair and a secretary.
Sec. 4. 32 MRSA §1079, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. A, §2, is further amended to read:
Sec. 5. 32 MRSA §1094-I, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:
§ 1094-I. Independent practice
An independent practice dental hygienist licensed by the board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists pursuant to this subchapter may practice without supervision by a dentist to the extent permitted by this subchapter. Any licensee of the board subcommittee may be the proprietor of a place where independent practice dental hygiene is performed and may purchase, own or lease equipment necessary for the performance of independent practice dental hygiene.
A person practicing independent practice dental hygiene as an employee of another shall cause that person's name to be conspicuously displayed at the entrance of the place where the practice is conducted.
Sec. 6. 32 MRSA §1094-J, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:
Sec. 7. 32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:
Sec. 8. 32 MRSA §1094-S, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:
§ 1094-S. Mental or physical examination
For the purposes of this section, by application for and acceptance of a license to practice under this subchapter, an independent practice dental hygienist is considered to have given consent to a mental or physical examination when directed by the board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists. The board subcommittee may direct an independent practice dental hygienist to submit to an examination whenever the board subcommittee determines the independent practice dental hygienist may be suffering from a mental illness that may be interfering with the competent independent practice of dental hygiene or from the use of intoxicants or drugs to an extent that they are preventing the independent practice dental hygienist from practicing dental hygiene competently and with safety to patients. An independent practice dental hygienist examined pursuant to an order of the board subcommittee may not prevent the testimony of the examining individual or prevent the acceptance into evidence of the report of an examining individual. Failure to comply with an order of the board subcommittee to submit to a mental or physical examination results in the immediate suspension of the license to practice independent dental hygiene by order of the District Court until the independent practice dental hygienist submits to the examination.
Sec. 9. 32 MRSA §1094-AA, first ¶, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
A dental hygienist or independent practice dental hygienist licensed by the board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists pursuant to this chapter may practice as a licensed dental hygiene therapist to the extent permitted by this subchapter. To qualify for licensure under this subchapter as a dental hygiene therapist, a person shall apply to the board subcommittee on forms provided by the board subcommittee, pay the application fee under section 1094-DD and demonstrate to the board subcommittee that the applicant:
Sec. 10. 32 MRSA §1094-AA, sub-§2, ¶¶C and D, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, are amended to read:
Sec. 11. 32 MRSA §1094-AA, sub-§§4 and 5, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, are amended to read:
Sec. 12. 32 MRSA §1094-BB, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
§ 1094-BB. Provisional dental hygiene therapy license
The board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists shall issue a provisional dental hygiene therapy license to an applicant for licensure under this subchapter who has met the requirements of section 1094-AA, subsections 1 to 4 and rules adopted by the board subcommittee and who has paid a fee established by the board subcommittee of not more than $175. During the period of provisional licensure, which may not exceed 3 years, the applicant shall maintain in good standing the applicant's license to practice as a dental hygienist or an independent practice dental hygienist. During the period of provisional licensure the applicant may be compensated for services performed as a dental hygiene therapist.
Sec. 13. 32 MRSA §1094-DD, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
§ 1094-DD. License; fees; discontinuation of license
The board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists shall issue a license to practice as a dental hygiene therapist to an applicant for licensure under this subchapter who has met the requirements of this subchapter and rules adopted pursuant to the subchapter for licensure and has paid the application fee of not more than $175. A dental hygiene therapist shall publicly exhibit the license at the therapist's place of business or employment. The initial date of expiration of the license must be the original expiration date of the dental hygiene therapist's dental hygienist license issued by the board subcommittee pursuant to subchapter 4 or, for an independent practice dental hygienist licensed by endorsement, January 1st of the first odd-numbered year following initial licensure. On or before January 1st of each odd-numbered year, a dental hygiene therapist shall pay to the board subcommittee a license renewal fee. The board subcommittee may renew the license of a dental hygiene therapist who meets the requirements for continued licensure and pays a renewal fee and a late fee by February 1st in the year in which renewal is due. The board subcommittee shall suspend the license of a dental hygiene therapist who does not renew a license by February 1st in the year that renewal is due. The board subcommittee may renew the license of a dental hygiene therapist who pays a renewal fee and a reinstatement fee as required by the board subcommittee. The subcommittee shall forward any fee received pursuant to this section to the board.
Sec. 14. 32 MRSA §1094-EE, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
§ 1094-EE. Continuing education
As a condition of renewal of a license to practice under this subchapter, a dental hygiene therapist shall submit evidence of successful completion of 35 hours of continuing education in the 2 years prior to renewal. Continuing education under this section must be in conformity with the provisions of section 1084-A and must include board-approved courses approved by the Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists, including but not limited to a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The board subcommittee may refuse renewal to an applicant who has not satisfied the requirements of this section or may renew a license on terms and conditions set by the board subcommittee.
Sec. 15. 32 MRSA §1094-GG, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
Sec. 16. 32 MRSA §1094-HH, first ¶, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
A dental hygiene therapist may provide the care and services listed in this section and may provide them only under the direct supervision of a dentist licensed in this State. A dental hygiene therapist practicing under general supervision of a dentist may perform all duties of a dental hygiene therapist listed in rules adopted by the board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists. A dental hygiene therapist who is licensed as a dental hygienist may perform all of the duties of a dental hygienist under this chapter. A dental hygiene therapist who is licensed as an independent practice dental hygienist may perform all of the duties of an independent practice dental hygienist. A dental hygiene therapist may:
Sec. 17. 32 MRSA §1094-KK, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 575, §7, is amended to read:
§ 1094-KK. Rulemaking
The board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists shall adopt rules to implement this subchapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 18. 32 MRSA §1095, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §79, is further amended to read:
§ 1095. Definition
The dental hygienist who practices under the supervision of a dentist of record may perform duties as defined and set forth in the rules of the Board of Dental Examiners Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists, except that nothing in this subchapter may be construed to affect the practice of medicine or dentistry or to prevent students of a dental college, university or school of dental hygiene from practicing dental hygiene under the supervision of their instructors.
Sec. 19. 32 MRSA §1096, as amended by PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §80, is further amended to read:
§ 1096. Qualifications
A person 18 years old or over who has successfully completed 2 years' training in a school of dental hygiene approved by the board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists, or who is a full-time dental student who has satisfactorily completed at least half of the prescribed course of study in an accredited dental college, but who has not graduated from a dental college, is eligible to apply for examination.
Sec. 20. 32 MRSA §1097, as amended by PL 2003, c. 669, §7, is further amended to read:
§ 1097. Application; fee
An eligible person desiring to practice dental hygiene must make written application to the Board of Dental Examiners Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists to take the examination. The application must be accompanied by a fee to be determined by the board subcommittee not to exceed $175. Applicants for licensure must pay a fee set by the board subcommittee for the examination. The board subcommittee may recognize a nationally or regionally administered examination for applicants to practice dental hygiene in the State. The subcommittee shall forward any fee received pursuant to this section to the board.
Sec. 21. 32 MRSA §1098, as amended by PL 2005, c. 45, §4, is further amended to read:
§ 1098. License; biennial fee
The board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists shall issue a license to practice as a dental hygienist in this State to an individual who has met the licensure requirements. The license must be exhibited publicly at the person's place of employment. The license authorizes practice as a dental hygienist in this State for the year in which it is issued until the expiration date that appears on the license. On or before January 1st of each odd-numbered year, the dental hygienist must pay to the board subcommittee a license renewal fee of not more than $175 to be determined by the board subcommittee. Dental hygienists who have not paid the renewal fee on or before January 1st must be reinstated upon payment of a late fee of not more than $50 to be determined by the board subcommittee if paid before February 1st of the year in which license renewal is due. Failure to be properly licensed by February 1st results in automatic suspension of a license to practice dental hygiene. Reinstatement may be made, if approved by the board subcommittee, by payment to the secretary-treasurer of the board subcommittee of a fee determined by the board subcommittee of not more than $175. A new applicant who has paid the application fee shall pay the biennial licensure fee if the applicant applies in an odd-numbered year or half the biennial licensure fee if the applicant applies in an even-numbered year. The subcommittee shall forward any fee received pursuant to this section to the board.
The board subcommittee may issue temporary licenses to dental hygienists who present credentials satisfactory to the board. The board subcommittee may charge a fee of up to $25 for a temporary license.
Sec. 22. 32 MRSA §1098-C, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 669, §10, is amended to read:
§ 1098-C. Mental or physical examination
For the purposes of this section, by application for and acceptance of a license to practice, a licensed dental hygienist is considered to have given consent to a mental or physical examination when directed by the board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists. The board subcommittee may direct a dental hygienist to submit to an examination whenever the board subcommittee determines the dental hygienist may be suffering from a mental illness that may be interfering with the competent practice of dental hygiene or from the use of intoxicants or drugs to an extent that they are preventing the dental hygienist from practicing dental hygiene competently and with safety to patients. A dental hygienist examined pursuant to an order of the board subcommittee may not prevent the testimony of the examining individual or prevent the acceptance into evidence of the report of an examining individual. Failure to comply with an order of the board subcommittee to submit to a mental or physical examination results in the immediate suspension of the license of the dental hygienist by order of the District Court until the dental hygienist submits to the examination.
Sec. 23. 32 MRSA §1098-D, sub-§1, ¶E, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 669, §10, is amended to read:
Sec. 24. 32 MRSA §1098-D, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2005, c. 289, §2, is further amended to read:
The board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists may at its discretion waive the Northeast Regional Board Dental Hygiene Examination, or the successor to that examination, if all other requirements have been met.
Sec. 25. 32 MRSA §1098-E, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 198, §1, is amended to read:
§ 1098-E. Temporary filling procedures
A dental hygienist with public health supervision status, as defined by rules adopted by the Board of Dental Examiners Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists, may perform temporary filling procedures without a dentist present under protocols developed by the Board of Dental Examiners subcommittee. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 26. 32 MRSA §1099, as amended by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. A, §3, is further amended to read:
§ 1099. Endorsement
The board Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists may at its discretion, without examination, issue a license to an applicant to practice dental hygiene who furnishes proof satisfactory to the board subcommittee that the dental hygienist has been duly licensed for at least 3 years to practice in another state or a Canadian province after full compliance with the requirements of its dental laws, except that the professional education may not be less than is required in this State. The board subcommittee may require letters of reference as to ability. Applicants for licensure by endorsement who meet the requirements of this section must be interviewed in person by the Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists, as established in section 1079 subcommittee prior to being issued a license. Every license so given must state upon its face that it was granted on the basis of endorsement. The fee for that license must be determined by the board subcommittee, but may not be more than $175.
Sec. 27. 32 MRSA §1100-A, as amended by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. C, §10, is further amended to read:
§ 1100-A. Definition
Duties of dental auxiliaries other than dental hygienists and expanded function dental assistants must be defined and governed by the rules of the Board of Dental Examiners , except that duties of independent practice dental hygienists set forth in section 1094-Q, subsection 1 may not be restricted or expanded by the board. Dental auxiliaries include, but are not limited to , dental hygienists, independent practice dental hygienists, dental assistants, expanded function dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians and denturists.
Sec. 28. Transition. Until the Board of Dental Examiners, Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists adopts rules relating to the operation of the subcommittee and the licensure and practice of dental hygienists, independent practice dental hygienists, dental hygiene therapists, registered dental hygienists and dental hygienists with public health supervision status, as authorized by the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, section 1073, subsection 2 and Title 32, sections 1094-KK and 1098-E, the rules adopted by the board and in effect on the effective date of this Act remain in effect.
SUMMARY
Under current law, the Board of Dental Examiners, Subcommittee on Dental Hygienists performs an initial review of complaints regarding dental hygienists and applications and continuing education requirements for dental hygienists. Following its review, the subcommittee makes a recommendation to the board and the board acts on the subcommittee's recommendation.
This bill provides the subcommittee with exclusive jurisdiction over licensing, continuing education and disciplinary matters regarding dental hygienists, independent practice dental hygienists, dental hygiene therapists, registered dental hygienists and dental hygienists with public health supervision status and provides the subcommittee with rule-making authority regarding these matters.
The bill also changes the composition of the subcommittee by replacing one of the dentists with a dental hygienist who is involved in the training and education of dental hygienists at an accredited school of dental hygiene and removing the requirement that the existing 2 dental hygienists are qualified denturists.