Dental hygienists: registered dental hygienist in alternative practice: scope of practice.

Existing law, the Dental Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of the practice of registered dental hygienists, registered dental hygienists in extended functions, and registered dental hygienists in alternative practice by the Dental Hygiene Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law makes certain violations of specific provisions relating to healing arts by a licensee a crime. Existing law authorizes a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice to perform any of the duties or functions authorized to be performed by a registered dental hygienist as an employee of a dentist or of another registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, as an independent contractor, as a sole proprietor of an alternative dental hygiene practice, in specified clinics, or in a professional corporation. Existing law further authorizes a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice to perform certain additional duties and functions in prescribed settings. This bill would authorize a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice to perform specified duties and functions authorized to be performed by a registered dental hygienist as an independent contractor for a physician and surgeon or medical practice on an individual who is under 18 years of age or pregnant, enrolled in the Medi-Cal program, and has not utilized Medi-Cal dental program benefits in the past 12 months. The bill would require a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice to refer a screened patient with possible oral abnormalities or conditions to a dentist for a comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan, as provided. The bill would also require a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice to provide a written informed consent to the patient at each visit and to provide to the patient's established medical provider all relevant patient information, as specified. Because a violation of certain provisions of the bill would be a crime, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.