Bill > HB470

This bill modifies the rulemaking authority of the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners regarding the use of anesthesia and sedation in dental procedures. The bill updates regulations for administering general anesthesia, deep sedation, and moderate sedation, with a particular focus on pediatric patients under 13 years old. Key changes include requiring the board to establish rules consistent with national professional standards from organizations like the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and the American Dental Association (ADA). For general anesthesia or deep sedation with patients under 13, the bill mandates a dedicated second anesthesia provider, but allows exemptions for board-certified dental anesthesiologists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Notably, for moderate sedation with patients under 13, the bill allows a single dentist to administer sedation without a second provider, provided they meet specific training requirements in pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and airway management. The bill also requires informed consent that explains potential additional hospital-based procedure options and mandates a comprehensive physical evaluation and medical history review before sedation. The new regulations aim to balance patient safety with maintaining accessible dental care, and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=713&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB470