DENTAL THERAPIST; OUT-OF-STATE CLINICALS                                              H.B. 5827:

                                                                              SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

House Bill 5827 (as passed by the House)

Sponsor:  Representative Jason M. Sheppard

House Committee:  Government Operations

Senate Committee:  Health Policy and Human Services

Date Completed:  9-10-20

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 166 (Dentistry) of the Public Health Code to allow hours of supervised clinical practice completed outside the State to be counted towards the clinical practice requirement for licensure as a dental therapist. 

Under Part 166 of the Code, to qualify for licensure as a dental therapist, an individual must apply to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on forms provided by the Department, pay an application fee, and demonstrate that he or she meets all of the following:

-- Has graduated from a dental therapy education program that satisfies certain requirements prescribed in the Code.

-- Has passed a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by LARA that includes an examination of the applicant's knowledge of Michigan laws and rules promulgated under Part 166.

-- Has completed 500 hours of supervised clinical practice under the direct supervision of a dentist and in conformity with rules adopted by the Board.

Under the bill, the 500 hours of clinical practice could be completed in Michigan or another state under the direct supervision of a dentist, or an individual authorized under the laws of another state to engage in the practice of dentistry.

Under Part 166, "direct supervision" means that a dentist complies with all of the following:

-- Designates a patient of record upon whom the procedures are to be performed and describes the procedures to be performed.

-- Examines the patient before prescribing the procedures to be performed and upon completion of the procedures.

-- Is physically present in the office at the time the procedures are being performed.

Under the bill, the term also would mean an individual authorized under the laws of another state to engage in the practice of dentistry who complied with the above requirements. 

MCL 333.16651                                                     Legislative Analyst:  Stephen Jackson

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                           Fiscal Analyst:  Elizabeth Raczkowski

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.