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Bill

Bill

S 3157

School Meals for Healthy Kids Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Roger Marshall

Bill S 3157 allows dental hygienists to provide services in collaboration with dentists, enhancing access to care and improving efficiency, especially in underserved areas.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 3157

Summary of Bill S 3157

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 3157
  • Title: Authorizes dental hygienists to provide such services in collaboration with a licensed dentist
  • Status: Returned to Senate
  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill S 3157 is to expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists by allowing them to provide certain dental services in collaboration with licensed dentists. This legislative change seeks to enhance access to dental care, particularly in underserved areas, and to improve the efficiency of dental practices.

Key Provisions

  • Collaboration Requirement: The bill stipulates that dental hygienists may perform specified services only in collaboration with a licensed dentist. This ensures that patient care remains under the supervision of a qualified dental professional.
  • Scope of Services: While the bill does not explicitly list the services that dental hygienists may provide, it implies that these services will be defined in accordance with existing dental practice regulations and standards.
  • Regulatory Framework: The bill may lead to the development of new regulations or amendments to existing regulations governing the practice of dental hygiene, ensuring that the quality of care is maintained.

Affected Parties

  • Dental Hygienists: This bill directly impacts dental hygienists by expanding their professional responsibilities and capabilities.
  • Licensed Dentists: Dentists will have the opportunity to collaborate more closely with hygienists, potentially improving workflow and patient care.
  • Patients: The legislation aims to benefit patients by increasing access to dental services, particularly in areas where dental care is limited.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 23, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Higher Education Committee.
  • May 29, 2025: Committee discharged and bill committed to Rules; ordered to third reading.
  • June 5, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
  • June 17, 2025: Substituted for A2341, passed in the Assembly, and returned to the Senate.

Related Legislation

Bill S 3157 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- A 1959
- A 5096
- A 111
- A 2553
- A 335
- A 3934
- S 8759
- A 488
- A 2341 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide context or additional information regarding the legislative intent and history surrounding the practice of dental hygiene.

Conclusion

Bill S 3157 represents a significant step towards modernizing dental care practices by empowering dental hygienists to take on more responsibilities in collaboration with dentists. The bill's progress through the legislative process indicates ongoing discussions about the future of dental care delivery and access.

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

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