The bill amends RCW 18.29.190 to establish a new framework for issuing temporary licenses to dental hygienists who are credentialed in other states or Canadian provinces. It replaces the term "limited" with "temporary" for these licenses and extends the duration from eighteen months to five years. The bill outlines the requirements for obtaining this temporary license, which include holding a valid license in another jurisdiction, graduating from an accredited dental hygiene school, passing the national board examination, and demonstrating knowledge of Washington state law related to dental hygiene. Additionally, it allows for the issuance of temporary endorsements for specific procedures, such as administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia, based on equivalent licensing standards from other jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that all dental hygienists with an active limited license as of the effective date of the legislation will automatically receive an initial temporary license, which will also expire five years after the issuance of their initial limited license. The scope of practice for those holding a temporary license includes various hygiene procedures, while certain advanced procedures remain restricted unless specific endorsements are obtained. This legislative change aims to streamline the licensing process for dental hygienists moving to Washington, ensuring they can practice effectively while maintaining public safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.29.005, 18.29.050, 18.29.190
Substitute Bill: 18.29.190
Engrossed Substitute: 18.29.190
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.29.190
Session Law: 18.29.190