BILL NUMBER: S4548
SPONSOR: STAVISKY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to permitting dentists to
administer vaccinations against human papillomavirus
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 6601 of the education law to authorize dentists
to administer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.
Section 2 provides for an immediate effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted
infection in the country. It can be spread in many ways, including oral-
ly, and can lead to significant and serious medical diseases, including
but not limited to certain types of cancers. Every dentist in New York
must have a four-year undergraduate degree, complete four years of
dental school, complete a one-year residency program, and pass a
National Dental Board examination. Dentists can administer Novocain and
other injectable medications. From a clinical perspective, dentists
certainly are just as qualified to administer vaccines as other profes-
sionals, such as pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, and other
health paraprofessionals currently authorized to administer vaccines.
From a public health perspective, allowing dentists to administer HPV
vaccinations makes sense. Dentists frequently communicate with primary
care professionals and other medical professionals to provide wholistic
care around a patient. This is particularly true where the dentist
works, in or with a federally qualified health clinic (FQHC). FQHCs
provide a wide range of services -- including specialty, dental, sexual
health, and primary and preventive care -- to underserved communities.
Allowing dentists to administer vaccinations provides patients with
immediate access. Dentists can address questions and, when appropriate,
administer vaccinations when a patient is already at a medical appoint-
ment. This saves the patient from having to go somewhere else, take
additional time off from work or school and/or find someone to take care
of a family member.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24 - S7355/A7857 - Referred to Higher Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4548: 6601 education law