Bill
HB 6569
Out-of-state trained Expanded Function Dental Assistants must pass a state jurisprudence assessment before practicing, to ensure knowledge of local laws and protect patients.
HB 6569 — Summary
Overview
HB 6569 is a proposed act that would require expanded function dental assistants (EFDAs) who complete their educational programs in states other than the one governing this bill to pass a jurisprudence assessment before practicing within the state. The bill’s status is “Ref. to Joint Committee on Public Health,” with introduction on January 24, 2025.
Purpose and Intent
- Ensure that EFDAs trained outside the state demonstrate knowledge of the state’s laws, rules, and professional standards before practicing.
- Promote alignment with state dental practice requirements and protect patient safety.
Key Provisions (as implied by the title)
- Applies to: Expanded Function Dental Assistants who completed their educational programs in another state (out-of-state trained EFDAs).
- Jurisprudence Assessment: Out-of-state trained EFDAs would be required to pass a jurisprudence assessment prior to practicing in the state.
- Administration and Content: The assessment would be administered by the relevant regulatory body (likely the state dental board or its designated testing provider). Content and passing standards would be established by that board.
- Scope of Topics: While not specified in the summary, such assessments typically cover state dental practice acts, board rules, professional ethics, infection control, scope of practice, supervision requirements, recordkeeping, and privacy/mandated reporting requirements. The bill would authorize the board to determine the exact content and requirements.
- Implementation Mechanics: The bill would necessitate rulemaking and regulatory action to implement the assessment, including scheduling, retake provisions, and handling of exemptions or transitional provisions.
- Transition Provisions: The bill may include, or the board may establish, transition rules for individuals already practicing under out-of-state education; specifics are not provided in the summary.
Who Is Affected
- Primary: Expanded Function Dental Assistants educated in other states who seek to practice in the state.
- Secondary: Dental offices and employers hiring such EFDAs, the state dental board or regulatory agency, and patients receiving care from EFDAs.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Public Health (as of 2025-01-24).
- If advanced, the bill would lead to regulatory rulemaking to implement the jurisprudence assessment, including setting content, passing scores, testing logistics, and any transition timelines.
- Effective date and any grace periods would be determined by the enacted bill or subsequent regulations.
Impact and Implications
- Potentially increased licensure/credentialing requirements for out-of-state educated EFDAs.
- Possible effects on workforce mobility and practice staffing timelines.
- Expected enhancement of state-specific knowledge among practitioners and potential improvements in patient safety and compliance with laws.
Next Steps to Watch
- Movement through committees and floor votes.
- Amendments clarifying scope, exemptions, costs, timetable, and transition provisions.
- Any related regulatory actions by the state dental board.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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