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HB 470

relative to the use of general anesthesia, deep sedation, and moderate sedation in dental treatment.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 2 co-sponsors

HB 470 sets standards on when and how general anesthesia, deep, and moderate sedation may be used in dental care, including qualifications, facilities, and safety requirements.

Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 01/07/2026; SJ 1
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Bill Summary · HB 470

HB 470 (2026) – Relative to the use of general anesthesia, deep sedation, and moderate sedation in dental treatment
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire

Summary
HB 470 seeks to regulate the use of deep sedation, general anesthesia, and moderate sedation in dental treatment. The bill outlines the conditions under which such anesthesia modalities may be administered, who may administer them, the required qualifications and supervision, and related patient safety and recordkeeping provisions. The underlying goal is to ensure appropriate standards for the administration of anesthesia in dental settings, protecting patient safety while clarifying the scope of practice for dental professionals.

Key Provisions and Changes
- Definitions and scope
- Establishes specific definitions for general anesthesia, deep sedation, and moderate sedation as they apply to dental procedures.
- Clarifies when each level may be used in the dental treatment context.

  • Personnel qualifications and supervision

    • Specifies the allowed personnel who may administer or supervise anesthesia in dental settings.
    • Requires appropriate training, certification, or licensure for individuals administering deeper levels of sedation/general anesthesia.
    • Establishes supervision requirements (for example, presence of a qualified professional during administration and recovery phases).

  • Facility and safety standards

    • Imposes standards for facilities where sedation/anesthesia are administered, including monitoring equipment, emergency preparedness, and post-anesthesia recovery protocols.
    • May require adherence to established guidelines or consensus standards (e.g., from dental or medical anesthesia organizations).

  • Patient assessment and consent

    • Mandates pre-procedure assessment to determine appropriate sedation level, including medical history, risk factors, and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) status where applicable.
    • Requires informed consent specific to the type and level of sedation or anesthesia used.

  • Recordkeeping and reporting

    • Requires documentation of the anesthesia plan, medications used, dosages, monitoring data, and recovery observations.
    • May impose reporting or auditing provisions to ensure compliance with sedation standards.

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Establishes potential enforcement mechanisms for violations, which could include disciplinary action by licensing boards, fines, or other sanctions.

  • Implementation timeline

    • The bill’s progress through committees indicates several readings and potential interim study or phased implementation.
    • If enacted, agencies or boards responsible for dental practice and anesthesia will implement the new standards, with timelines set by the Legislature or Administrative Rules.

Who Would Be Affected
- Dental practitioners who administer or supervise sedation or anesthesia (dentists, oral surgeons, and possibly dental anesthesiology professionals).
- Dental offices and clinics offering sedation or anesthesia services, including the required facility standards and emergency preparedness.
- Patients receiving dental care involving moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia, who would be subject to new assessment, consent, and safety protocols.
- Regulatory bodies and licensing boards overseeing dentistry and anesthesia practices, responsible for enforcement, licensure standards, and possible rulemaking.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduced in March 2025 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration, with ongoing committee consideration.
- A series of committee actions includes “Ought to Pass” reports, public hearings, and interim study referrals, reflecting a multi-stage legislative process.
- Most recent actions in 2026 indicate a continued evaluation path (interim study referral in January 2026), suggesting potential further deliberation before final passage.
- If enacted, the changes would require rulemaking or regulatory adoption by relevant state agencies and licensing boards, followed by phased or specified effective dates.

Notes
- Specific statutory text, exact definitions, scope language, and enforcement details are not provided here. For precise obligations, consult the bill as reported by the New Hampshire Senate/House committees, including any amendments and the final enacted language.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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