Bill > S489

This bill aims to ensure that licensed dentists can obtain primary medical malpractice insurance, which is insurance that covers claims of negligence or wrongdoing in medical care, even if they enter into a written collaborative agreement with a public health dental hygienist, meaning a dental hygienist working in a community health setting who may provide certain services under the dentist's general supervision. Specifically, the bill prohibits medical malpractice insurers from denying coverage to dentists solely because they have such an agreement. Furthermore, it provides that dentists who enter into these collaborative agreements, along with their insurers, will be protected from claims made against the public health dental hygienist, offering them indemnification, which means they will be reimbursed for any losses or damages they might incur as a result of such claims. This legislation is intended to facilitate collaboration between dentists and public health dental hygienists, potentially expanding access to dental care.