Bill > LD2030

This bill expands the scope of practice for independent practice dental hygienists in Maine by adding two key provisions to existing law. First, the bill allows dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia, provided they have the proper licensure authority to do so, which is specified in another section of the law. This expansion enables dental hygienists to provide more comprehensive patient care by performing pain management procedures that were previously restricted. The bill makes these changes by amending the existing legal code governing dental hygiene practice, specifically modifying section 32 MRSA §18375, which outlines the permitted activities of independent practice dental hygienists. By adding these new capabilities, the legislation aims to increase access to dental care and give dental hygienists more autonomy in managing patient treatment, while still maintaining regulatory safeguards through specific licensure requirements for administering anesthesia and analgesic medications.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2030&snum=132