House of Representatives

HB 2213

dental hygienists; practicing without license

Sponsors: Representative Quelland

X	Committee on Health
	Committee on Judiciary
	Caucus and COW
	As Engrossed and As Passed the House

HB2213 stipulates that a dental hygienist who practices without a license be charged with a class 6 felony.

History

A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a college educated, licensed preventive oral health care professional. The dental hygienist is the member of the dental team who is primarily responsible for providing instruction and therapeutic services in the prevention of oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease.

A class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 4 months in jail and fines of up to $750.00 per person. Class 6 felonies have a presumptive sentence of one year in jail and fines up to $150,000 per charge.

The penalty of a class 2 misdemeanor for practicing dental hygiene without a license was enacted in 1978. Currently, the penalty for practicing other medical services, such as dentistry or chiropractic care, without a license is a class 6 felony.

Provisions

· Increases the penalty for those who practice dental hygiene without a license from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony.

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Forty-seventh Legislature                   Analyst Initials _______

Second Regular Session                      January 26, 2006

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