Bill > HB567

This bill authorizes and regulates teledentistry in Georgia, establishing a comprehensive framework for dentists to provide remote dental care services. The legislation defines teledentistry as dental care delivered through real-time video communication and digital technology, while explicitly stating that such interactions do not replace in-person clinical examinations. Key provisions include requiring authorizing dentists to have a physical office in Georgia, establish a referral relationship with another local dentist, and obtain patient informed consent. Dentists can use teledentistry for services like emergency evaluations, second opinions, and patient assessments, but cannot use it for complex procedures like orthodontics. The bill limits each authorizing dentist to supervising up to four dental hygienists who must have at least two years of experience and maintain professional liability insurance. Insurance providers are also required to potentially cover teledentistry services and cannot exclude services solely because they are provided remotely. The bill includes strict privacy protections, mandates adherence to HIPAA regulations, and specifies that teledentistry cannot expand dental hygienists' scope of practice. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving healthcare providers time to prepare for these new guidelines.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70647