HF 2036 (LSB 5298YH (2) 83)

HOUSE FILE 2036

BY  ABDUL-SAMAD

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the services that may be provided by a registered dental assistant.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 153.38, Code 2009, is amended to read as follows:
   153.38  Dental assistants —— scope of practice.

   A registered dental assistant may perform those services of assistance to a licensed dentist. Such services include the placement of sealants, the removal of supragingival plaque, stains, or hard natural or synthetic materials, and other services as determined by the board by rule. Such services shall be performed under supervision of a licensed dentist in a dental office, a public or private school, public health agencies, hospitals, and the armed forces, but shall not be construed to authorize a dental assistant to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. Every licensed dentist who utilizes the services of a registered dental assistant for the purpose of assistance in the practice of dentistry shall be responsible for acts delegated to the registered dental assistant. A dentist shall delegate to a registered dental assistant only those acts which are authorized to be delegated to registered dental assistants in this section and by the board.
EXPLANATION
   Code section 153.38 currently provides that the dental board determines the services that may be performed by a dental assistant. This bill specifies that the placement of sealants, and the removal of supragingival plaque, stains, or hard natural or synthetic materials are services that may be provided by an assistant. These services would be in addition to those specified in rule.