Relating to authorizing the Board of Dentistry to promulgate a legislative rule relating to mobile dental facilities and portable dental units

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

HB 2301 empowers the West Virginia Board of Dentistry to regulate mobile dental facilities, enhancing access to care for underserved patients in the state.

To House Government Organization

#legislature--rulemaking

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 2301

Title: Relating to authorizing the Board of Dentistry to promulgate a legislative rule relating to mobile dental facilities and portable dental units

Status: Currently in the House Government Organization Committee

Introduced: January 29, 2025

Classification: Legislative Bill

Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2301 aims to authorize the West Virginia Board of Dentistry to establish legislative rules governing mobile dental facilities and portable dental units. This legislation seeks to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding these dental services, which are crucial for providing dental care in underserved areas.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Legislative Rule: The bill specifically authorizes the Board of Dentistry to promulgate rules related to the operation and regulation of mobile dental facilities and portable dental units.

Reference to Previous Legislative Actions: The bill references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on July 22, 2024, and subsequently modified to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This modified rule was refiled on November 15, 2024.

Impact

Affected Entities: The primary entities affected by this bill include:

The West Virginia Board of Dentistry, which will gain the authority to regulate mobile dental services.
Dental practitioners and organizations operating mobile dental facilities and portable dental units, who will need to comply with the new rules.
Patients in underserved areas who rely on mobile dental services for access to dental care.

Legislative Timeline

January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.

February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Government Organization Committee.

March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.

March 12, 2025: The Executive Committee recommended the bill for passage with a "Do Pass" vote (012-000-000).

March 27, 2025: The bill was held on the calendar for second reading.

April 11, 2025: The third reading deadline was extended to May 31, 2025.

May 31, 2025: The bill was re-referred to the Rules Committee.

Conclusion

HB 2301 represents a significant step towards improving dental care accessibility in West Virginia through the regulation of mobile dental facilities and portable dental units. By empowering the Board of Dentistry to create specific rules, the bill aims to ensure that these services meet appropriate standards for safety and quality, ultimately benefiting patients in need of dental care.

Bill