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An Act To Allow Independent Practice Dental Hygienists To Work within Their Scope of Practice
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation expands the functions of independent practice dental hygienists and it is important that the legislation take effect as soon as possible due to Maine's economy and the need for dental care; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§1, ¶N, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:
 
N. Place temporary restorations in compliance with the protocol adopted by the board; and
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§1, ¶O, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 620, Pt. B, §1, is amended to read:
 
O. Apply topical antimicrobials, excluding antibiotics, including fluoride, for the purposes of bacterial reduction, caries control and desensitization in the oral cavity. The independent practice dental hygienist shall follow current manufacturer's instructions in the use of these medicaments.; and
Sec. 3.  32 MRSA §1094-Q, sub-§1, ¶P  is enacted to read:
 
P.  Perform x-rays within the scope of that person's practice.
 
An independent practice dental hygienist may own x-ray equipment within that person's scope of practice.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill expands the permitted functions of an independent practice dental hygienist by allowing an independent practice dental hygienist to perform x-rays and to own x-ray equipment.