78R7368 YDB-D
By: Uresti H.B. No. 3193
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the delegation of certain acts by dentists.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 258.002(b), Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) A licensed dentist may delegate, under Subsection (a),
the application of a pit and fissure sealant to a dental assistant
if the dentist is a Medicaid provider or the dentist practices in an
area determined to be underserved by the Texas Department of
Health. Cleansing of the occlusal and smooth surfaces of the teeth
by a dental assistant is allowed immediately prior to and for the
sole purpose of preparing the tooth area for the placement of pit
and fissure sealants or orthodontic bonding resin, and shall not be
billed as a prophylaxis.
SECTION 2. Section 265.003(b), Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) A dental assistant may apply a pit and fissure sealant
under Subsection (a) only if:
(1) the assistant is certified to apply a pit and
fissure sealant under Section 265.004; and
(2) the dentist described by Subsection (a):
(A) is a Medicaid provider; or
(B) practices in an area determined to be
underserved by the Texas Department of Health.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.