This bill amends the current law regarding the practice of dentistry, specifically addressing the circumstances under which a dentist may treat a patient who declines a recommended x-ray. The new legal language inserted into RSA 317-A:17 establishes that a dentist is permitted to proceed with treatment if a patient refuses an x-ray, provided that such treatment does not violate the dental standard of care. Additionally, the dentist may require the patient to sign a waiver of liability, which indicates that the patient waives the right to sue the dentist for any unforeseen injuries resulting from the absence of the x-ray.

The bill also includes a provision that protects dentists from disciplinary actions by the licensing board for decisions made in accordance with this new paragraph. The language that is deleted from current law is not specified in the summary, but the focus is on the new provisions that allow for patient treatment without an x-ray and the associated waiver of liability. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 317-A:17
HB1286 text: 317-A:17