Bill > HB1515

This bill amends Section 73-9-13 of the Mississippi Code to clarify and expand the powers and duties of the State Board of Dental Examiners, specifically focusing on its regulatory authority over dentistry and dental hygiene practices. The key change involves modifying the board's regulatory power by explicitly granting it the ability to prescribe limits on the activities of licensed dental hygienists working under a dentist's supervision, with the primary goal of protecting public health and welfare. The bill maintains the board's existing responsibilities, such as issuing licenses, maintaining records, conducting examinations, and enforcing dental practice laws, while adding more precise language about its ability to define and restrict professional activities. The amendment provides the board with broader discretion to establish guidelines for dental and dental hygiene practices, including specifying what procedures and services can be performed, and under what conditions. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving the board and practitioners time to understand and implement the new regulatory framework. The overall intent is to enhance the board's ability to regulate dental professionals more comprehensively while ensuring patient safety and professional standards.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1515.xml