SRC-JEC, MWN C.S.S.B. 114 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 114
77R631 MXM-FBy: Madla
Health & Human Services
3/19/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

One of the current national health objectives is to provide at least half
of all school children with dental sealants.  Sealants have proved
effective in preventing tooth decay and other more serious dental problems.
Currently, dental assistants are prohibited from polishing teeth, which is
a step in applying sealants.  C.S.S.B. 114 authorizes dental assistants
with sufficient experience and training to polish teeth for the application
of sealants. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 258.001, Occupations Code, to delete text
regarding exposed human teeth. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 258.002, Occupations Code, by amending Subsection
(b) and adding Subsection (c) to authorize a licensed dentist to delegate,
under Subsection (a), the application of a pit and fissure sealant. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 262.003, Occupations Code, to exempt from
application of this chapter an employee of a licensed dentist who polishes
exposed human teeth in the office of and under the supervision of a dentist
practicing dentistry in this state. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 265.003, Occupations Code, to authorize a dental
assistant who is not professionally licensed to perform one or more
delegated dental acts under the direct supervision, direction, and
responsibility of the dentist, including the application of a pit and
fissure sealant. Authorizes a dental assistant to apply a pit and fissure
sealant under Subsection (a) only if the assistant has at least two years
experience as an assistant; has completed any training required by the
State Board of Dental Examiners (board) for application of a sealant under
this section; and is certified by the board to perform the act. 

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2001.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 3.  Differs from the original by extending the exemption in Section
262.003, Occupations Code, to a dental employee polishing teeth.
Redesignates the subsequent SECTIONS 3 and 4 as 4 and 5.