An Act To Allow Independent Practice Dental Hygienists To Work within Their Scope of Practice

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation expands the functions of independent practice dental hygienists and it is important that the legislation take effect as soon as possible due to Maine's economy and the need for dental care; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§1, ¶N,  as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:

Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§1, ¶O,  as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:

Sec. 3. 32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§1, ¶P  is enacted to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This bill expands the permitted functions of an independent practice dental hygienist by allowing an independent practice dental hygienist to perform x-rays and to own x-ray equipment.