H.B. 3193 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3193
By: Uresti
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, dental assistants can apply pit and fissure sealants if the
delegating dentist is a Medicaid provider.  This authority was granted by
Senate Bill 3507 in the 77th Legislature.  Many dental assistants have
already been trained and certified for this purpose by the State Board of
Dental Examiners.  HB 3193 adds that the dental assistant can perform this
procedure if the delegating dentist practices in an area that the Texas
Department of Health has determined to be underserved. The purpose of this
bill is to provide greater assistance to dentists which will facilitate
greater access to care for persons living in underserved areas, especially
where there is a critical need for dental services due to a lack of
qualified dentists. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

HB 3193 amends the Occupations Code by allowing a licensed dentist to
delegate the application of a pit and fissure sealant to a dental
assistant if the dentist is a Medicaid provider or if the dentist
practices in a TDH determined underserved area.  The dental assistant must
be certified to apply a pit and fissure sealant in order for the dentist
to delegate the procedure to them.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.