This bill pertains to the regulation of anesthesia and sedation in dental practices, as overseen by the board of dental examiners. It introduces changes to the composition of the board, the establishment of an anesthesia and sedation committee, and the rulemaking authority concerning the use of anesthesia and sedation in dental treatment. Specifically, the bill mandates that one dentist member of the board must have a current permit to administer general anesthesia and deep sedation. It also establishes an anesthesia and sedation committee, which will consist of one dentist board member and four additional licensed anesthesia providers. This committee is tasked with developing administrative rules regarding the practice and permitting of dentists and facilities authorized to administer anesthesia, but it does not have independent regulatory or disciplinary authority.

The bill also amends the rulemaking authority to include the issuance of permits for the use of general anesthesia, deep sedation, and moderate sedation, and now also for dental facilities where these services are performed. It removes the requirement for an application fee for these permits and specifies the qualifications and requirements for dental facilities where such procedures are performed. Additionally, the bill outlines the qualifications for dentists to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation, including additional rules for patients under the age of 13 and the requirement for a physical evaluation and medical history before administering such sedation. The bill also addresses the training required for dentists and dental facilities administering pediatric minimal sedation. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of October 3, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 317-A:2, 317-A:12, 317-A:20
As Amended by the Senate: 317-A:2, 317-A:12, 317-A:20
As Amended by the House: 317-A:2, 317-A:12, 317-A:20
Version adopted by both bodies: 317-A:2, 317-A:12, 317-A:20
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 317-A:2, 317-A:12, 317-A:20