The Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass a bill that would allow hygienists to provide services inside private residences, Inside Investigator reported April 29.
House Bill 5140 aims to increase access to dental care for patients who may have trouble visiting a practice, such as elderly patients or patients with disabilities.
Connecticut currently allows hygienists to provide services at public health facilities without dentist supervision. The new legislation would allow hygienists to provide services inside of homes without general supervision from a dentist. These services would include cleanings, sealings and hygienic assessments. Hygienists would be required to refer patients to a dentist if a patients’ needs exceed their scope of practice.
Several dentists have submitted testimony opposing the bill, including members of the CT State Dental Association and the CT State Dental Commission, citing patient safety concerns.
David Fried, DMD, co-chair of CTSDA’s Council on Government Affairs, said the bill leaves unanswered questions on various items, including infection control in residential environments, documentation protocols, standards of care and liability coverage. He also said the bill fails to address Medicaid reimbursement rates and bypasses the state public health department’s process for making changes to a provider’s scope of practice.
Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria said the bill was modified to require the Department of Public Health Commissioner to establish safeguards for patient safety, such as emergency protocols and standards for infection control.
The bill now sits with the Senate for consideration.
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