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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the authority of a dental assistant to apply a pit and |
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fissure sealant. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 258.002(b), Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(b) A licensed dentist may delegate, under Subsection (a), |
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the application of a pit and fissure sealant to a dental assistant |
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certified under Section 265.004 [if the dentist is a Medicaid
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provider or the dentist practices in an area determined to be
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underserved by the Texas Department of Health]. Cleansing of the |
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occlusal and smooth surfaces of the teeth by a dental assistant is |
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allowed immediately prior to and for the sole purpose of preparing |
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the tooth area for the placement of pit and fissure sealants or |
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orthodontic bonding resin, and shall not be billed as a |
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prophylaxis. |
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SECTION 2. Section 265.003(b), Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(b) A dental assistant may apply a pit and fissure sealant |
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under Subsection (a) only if[:
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[(1)] the assistant is certified to apply a pit and |
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fissure sealant under Section 265.004[; and
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[(2)the dentist described by Subsection (a):
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[(A)is a Medicaid provider; or
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[(B) practices in an area determined to be
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underserved by the Texas Department of Health]. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2007. |