Chapter 716 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

SB 738

Relating to dental health; creating new provisions; amending ORS 679.010, 679.020, 679.025, 680.150, 680.200, 680.205, 750.055 and 750.333; appropriating money; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

DENTAL PILOT PROJECTS

SECTION 1. (1) The Oregon Health Authority may approve pilot projects to encourage the development of innovative practices in oral health care delivery systems with a focus on providing care to populations that evidence-based studies have shown have the highest disease rates and the least access to dental care. The authority may approve a pilot project that is designed to:

(a) Operate for three to five years or a sufficient amount of time to evaluate the validity of the pilot project;

(b) Evaluate quality of care, access, cost, workforce and efficacy; and

(c) Achieve at least one of the following:

(A) Teach new skills to existing categories of dental personnel;

(B) Develop new categories of dental personnel;

(C) Accelerate the training of existing categories of dental personnel; or

(D) Teach new oral health care roles to previously untrained persons.

(2) The authority shall adopt rules:

(a) Establishing an application process for pilot projects;

(b) Establishing minimum standards, guidelines and instructions for pilot projects; and

(c) Requiring an approved pilot project to report to the authority on the progress and outcomes of the pilot project, including:

(A) The process used to evaluate the progress and outcomes of the pilot project;

(B) The baseline data and information to be collected;

(C) The nature of program data that will be collected and the methods for collecting and analyzing the data;

(D) The provisions for protecting the safety of patients seen or treated in the project; and

(E) A statement of previous experience in providing related health care services.

(3) The authority shall seek the advice of appropriate professional societies and licensing boards before adopting rules under subsection (2) of this section.

(4)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 679.020 and 680.020, a person may practice dentistry or dental hygiene without a license as part of a pilot project approved under this section under the general supervision of a dentist licensed under ORS chapter 679 and in accordance with rules adopted by the authority.

(b) A person practicing dentistry or dental hygiene without a license under this section is subject to the same standard of care and is entitled to the same immunities as a person performing the services with a license.

(5) The authority may accept gifts, grants or contributions from any public or private source for the purpose of carrying out this section. Funds received under this subsection shall be deposited in the Dental Pilot Projects Fund established under section 17 of this 2011 Act.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 2011 Act is repealed on January 2, 2018.

EXPANDED PRACTICE DENTAL HYGIENISTS

SECTION 3. ORS 679.010 is amended to read:

679.010. As used in this chapter and ORS 680.010 to 680.205, unless the context requires otherwise:

[(1) “Board” means the Oregon Board of Dentistry.]

[(2)] (1) “Dental assistant” means a person who, under the supervision of a dentist, renders assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist, dental technician or another dental assistant or renders assistance under the supervision of a dental hygienist providing dental hygiene.

[(3)] (2) “Dental hygiene” means that portion of dentistry that includes the rendering of educational, preventive and therapeutic dental services and diagnosis and treatment planning for such services. “Dental hygiene” includes, but is not limited to, scaling, root planing, curettage, the application of sealants and fluoride and any related intraoral or extraoral procedure required in the performance of such services.

[(4)] (3) “Dental hygienist” means a person who, under the supervision of a dentist, practices dental hygiene.

[(5)] (4) “Dental technician” means that person who, at the authorization of a dentist, makes, provides, repairs or alters oral prosthetic appliances and other artificial materials and devices which are returned to a dentist and inserted into the human oral cavity or which come in contact with its adjacent structures and tissues.

[(6)] (5) “Dentist” means a person who may perform any intraoral or extraoral procedure required in the practice of dentistry.

[(7)] (6) “Dentistry” means the healing art which is concerned with the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment, care and prevention of conditions within the human oral cavity and maxillofacial region and conditions of adjacent or related tissues and structures. The practice of dentistry includes but is not limited to the cutting, altering, repairing, removing, replacing or repositioning of hard or soft tissues and other acts or procedures as determined by the Oregon Board of Dentistry and included in the curricula of dental schools accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, post-graduate training programs or continuing education courses.

[(8)] (7) “Direct supervision” means supervision requiring that a dentist diagnose the condition to be treated, that a dentist authorize the procedure to be performed, and that a dentist remain in the dental treatment room while the procedures are performed.

(8) “Expanded practice dental hygienist” means a dental hygienist who performs dental hygiene services in accordance with ORS 680.205 as authorized by an expanded practice dental hygienist permit issued by the board under ORS 680.200.

(9) “General supervision” means supervision requiring that a dentist authorize the procedures by standing orders, practice agreements or collaboration agreements, but not requiring that a dentist be present when the authorized procedures are performed. The authorized procedures may also be performed at a place other than the usual place of practice of the dentist.

(10) “Indirect supervision” means supervision requiring that a dentist authorize the procedures and that a dentist be on the premises while the procedures are performed.

[(11) “Limited access permit dental hygienist” means a dental hygienist who renders dental hygiene services in accordance with ORS 680.205 as authorized by a limited access permit issued by the board pursuant to ORS 680.200.]

[(12) “State” means any state or territory of the United States and the District of Columbia.]

SECTION 4. ORS 679.020 is amended to read:

679.020. (1) A person may not practice dentistry without a license.

(2) Only a person licensed as a dentist by the Oregon Board of Dentistry may own, operate, conduct or maintain a dental practice, office or clinic in this state.

(3) The restrictions of subsection (2) of this section, as they relate to owning and operating a dental office or clinic, do not apply to a dental office or clinic owned or operated by any of the following:

(a) A labor organization as defined in ORS 243.650 and 663.005 (6), or to any nonprofit organization formed by or on behalf of such labor organization for the purpose of providing dental services. Such labor organization must have had an active existence for at least three years, have a constitution and bylaws, and be maintained in good faith for purposes other than providing dental services.

(b) The School of Dentistry of the Oregon Health and Science University.

(d) Local governments.

(e) Institutions or programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association to provide education and training.

(f) Nonprofit corporations organized under Oregon law to provide dental services to rural areas and medically underserved populations of migrant, rural community or homeless individuals under 42 U.S.C. 254b or 254c or health centers qualified under 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) operating in compliance with other applicable state and federal law.

(g) Nonprofit charitable corporations as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and determined by the Oregon Board of Dentistry as providing dental services by volunteer licensed dentists to populations with limited access to dental care at no charge or a substantially reduced charge.

(4) For the purpose of owning or operating a dental office or clinic, an entity described in subsection (3) of this section must:

(a) Name an actively licensed dentist as its dental director, who shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 679.140 in the capacity as dental director. The dental director, or an actively licensed dentist designated by the director, shall have responsibility for the clinical practice of dentistry, which includes, but is not limited to:

(A) Diagnosis of conditions within the human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures.

(B) Prescribing drugs that are administered to patients in the practice of dentistry.

(D) Overall quality of patient care that is rendered or performed in the practice of dentistry.

(E) Supervision of dental hygienists, dental assistants or other personnel involved in direct patient care and the authorization for procedures performed by them in accordance with the standards of supervision established by statute or by the rules of the board.

(F) Other specific services within the scope of clinical dental practice.

(G) Retention of patient dental records as required by statute or by rule of the board.

(H) Ensuring that each patient receiving services from the dental office or clinic has a dentist of record.

(b) Maintain current records of the names of licensed dentists who supervise the clinical activities of dental hygienists, dental assistants or other personnel involved in direct patient care utilized by the entity. The records must be available to the board upon written request.

(5) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply to [a limited access permit] an expanded practice dental hygienist who renders services authorized by a [limited access] permit issued by the board pursuant to ORS 680.200.

(6) Nothing in this chapter precludes a person or entity not licensed by the board from:

(a) Ownership or leasehold of any tangible or intangible assets used in a dental office or clinic. These assets include real property, furnishings, equipment and inventory but do not include dental records of patients related to clinical care.

(b) Employing or contracting for the services of personnel other than licensed dentists.

(c) Management of the business aspects of a dental office or clinic that do not include the clinical practice of dentistry.

(7) If all of the ownership interests of a dentist or dentists in a dental office or clinic are held by an administrator, executor, personal representative, guardian, conservator or receiver of the estate of a former shareholder, member or partner, the administrator, executor, personal representative, guardian, conservator or receiver may retain the ownership interest for a period of 12 months following the creation of the ownership interest. The board shall extend the ownership period for an additional 12 months upon 30 days’ notice and may grant additional extensions upon reasonable request.

SECTION 5. ORS 679.025 is amended to read:

679.025. (1) [It shall be unlawful for any] A person [not otherwise authorized by law to] may not practice dentistry or purport to be a dentist without a valid license to practice dentistry issued by the Oregon Board of Dentistry.

(2) The requirements of this section [shall] do not apply to:

(a) Dentists licensed in another state making a clinical presentation sponsored by a bona fide dental society or association or an accredited dental educational institution approved by the board.

(b) Bona fide full-time students of dentistry who, during the period of their enrollment and as a part of the course of study in an Oregon accredited dental education program, engage in clinical studies on the premises of such institution or in a clinical setting located off the premises of the institution if the facility, the instructional staff and the course of study to be pursued at the off-premises location meet minimum requirements prescribed by the rules of the board and the clinical study is performed under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty.

(c) Bona fide full-time students of dentistry who, during the period of their enrollment and as a part of the course of study in a dental education program located outside of Oregon that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency, engage in community-based or clinical studies as an elective or required rotation in a clinical setting located in Oregon if the community-based or clinical studies meet minimum requirements prescribed by the rules of the board and are performed under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty of the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry.

(d) Candidates who are preparing for a licensure examination to practice dentistry and whose application has been accepted by the board or its agent, if such clinical preparation is conducted in a clinic located on premises approved for that purpose by the board and if the procedures are limited to examination only. This exception shall exist for a period not to exceed two weeks immediately prior to a regularly scheduled licensure examination.

(e) Dentists practicing in the discharge of official duties as employees of the United States Government and any of its agencies.

(f) Instructors of dentistry, whether full- or part-time, while exclusively engaged in teaching activities and while employed in accredited dental educational institutions.

(g) Dentists employed by public health agencies who are not engaged in the direct delivery of clinical dental services to patients.

(h) Persons licensed to practice medicine in the State of Oregon in the regular discharge of their duties.

(i) Persons qualified to perform services relating to general anesthesia or sedation under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

(j) Persons practicing dentistry upon themselves as the patient.

(k) Dental hygienists, dental assistants or dental technicians performing services under the supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with the rules adopted by the board.

(L) A person licensed as a denturist under ORS 680.500 to 680.565 engaged in the practice of denture technology.

(m) [A limited access permit] An expanded practice dental hygienist who renders services authorized by a [limited access] permit issued by the board pursuant to ORS 680.200.

SECTION 6. ORS 680.150 is amended to read:

680.150. (1) Any dentist may employ a dental hygienist who may engage in the practice of dental hygiene in the office of such dentist under the general supervision of a dentist.

(2) Any public institution, health care facility or health maintenance organization, as those terms are defined in ORS 442.015, may employ a dental hygienist who may engage in the practice of dental hygiene under the general supervision of a dentist.

(3) A dental hygienist under the general supervision of a dentist may engage in the practice of dental hygiene in any place where limited access patients are located.

(4) The Oregon Board of Dentistry may adopt rules specifying other locations where dental hygienists may work and shall specify in its rules the degree of supervision a dentist must exercise over the procedures the hygienist performs.

(5) Notwithstanding ORS 679.010 [(4)] (3), supervision by a dentist is not required when a dental hygienist determines the need for and appropriateness of sealants or fluoride, and applies sealants or fluoride at the locations and for persons described in ORS 680.205 (1) [and (2)].

SECTION 7. ORS 680.200 is amended to read:

680.200. (1) Upon application accompanied by the fee established by the Oregon Board of Dentistry, the board shall grant a permit to practice as [a limited access permit] an expanded practice dental hygienist to [any] an applicant who:

(a) Holds a valid, unrestricted Oregon dental hygiene license;

(b) Presents proof of current professional liability insurance coverage;

(c) Presents documentation satisfactory to the board of successful completion of an emergency life support course for health professionals, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, from an agency or educational institution approved by the board; and

(d) Presents documentation satisfactory to the board that the [person] applicant has:

(A)(i) Completed 2,500 hours of supervised dental hygiene practice; and

(ii) After licensure as a dental hygienist, completed 40 hours of courses, chosen by the applicant, in [a formal, post-secondary educational program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency and] clinical dental hygiene or public health sponsored by continuing education providers approved by the board; or

(B) Completed a course of study approved by the board that includes at least 500 hours of dental hygiene practice, completed before or after graduation from a dental hygiene program, on patients described in ORS 680.205 while under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty of a dental program or dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency. [Practice hours from before and after graduation from the dental hygiene program may be combined to meet the requirement of this subparagraph.]

(2) [All permits] A permit issued pursuant to subsection (1) of this section [expire] expires two years following the date of issuance unless renewed on or before that date by:

(a) Payment of the renewal fee as set by the board;

(b) Submission to the board of satisfactory evidence of completion of at least 36 hours of continuing education; [and]

(d) Completion of a survey developed by the board that measures the success of the expanded practice dental hygienist program against baseline data.

(3) The board may refuse to issue or renew [a limited access] an expanded practice dental hygienist permit or may suspend or revoke the permit of [a limited access permit] an expanded practice dental hygienist who has been convicted of an offense or been disciplined by a dental licensing body in a manner that bears, in the judgment of the board, a demonstrable relationship to the ability of the applicant to practice [limited access permit] expanded practice dental hygiene in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or ORS chapter 679, or who has falsified an application for permit, or any person for any cause described under ORS 679.140 or 679.170.

SECTION 8. ORS 680.205 is amended to read:

680.205. (1) [A dental hygienist issued a permit to act as a limited access permit] An expanded practice dental hygienist [under ORS 680.200 shall be authorized to] may render all services within the scope of practice of dental hygiene, as defined in ORS 679.010, without the supervision of a dentist and as authorized by the [limited access] expanded practice dental hygienist permit to:

(a) Patients or residents of the following facilities or programs who, due to age, infirmity or disability, are unable to receive regular dental hygiene treatment:

(A) Nursing homes as defined in ORS 678.710;

(B) Adult foster homes as defined in ORS 443.705;

(D) Adult congregate living facilities as defined in ORS 441.525;

(E) Mental health residential programs administered by the Oregon Health Authority;

(F) Facilities for mentally ill persons, as those terms are defined in ORS 426.005;

(G) Facilities for persons with mental retardation, as those terms are defined in ORS 427.005;

(H) Local correctional facilities and juvenile detention facilities as those terms are defined in ORS 169.005, regional correctional facilities as defined in ORS 169.620, youth correction facilities as defined in ORS 420.005, youth care centers as defined in ORS 420.855, and Department of Corrections institutions as defined in ORS 421.005; or

(I) Public and nonprofit community health clinics.

(b) Adults who are homebound.

(c) Students or enrollees of nursery schools and day care programs and their siblings under 18 years of age, Job Corps and [other] similar employment training facilities, primary and secondary schools, including private schools and public charter schools, and persons entitled to benefits under the Women, Infants and Children Program.

(d) Patients in hospitals, medical clinics, medical offices or offices operated or staffed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants or midwives.

(e) Patients whose income is less than the federal poverty level.

(f) Other populations that the Oregon Board of Dentistry determines are underserved or lack access to dental hygiene services.

[(2) The Oregon Board of Dentistry may authorize the provision of dental hygiene services by a limited access permit dental hygienist at locations or to populations that are underserved or lack access to dental hygiene services.]

[(3)] (2) At least once each calendar year, [a dental hygienist issued a permit to act as a limited access permit] an expanded practice dental hygienist shall refer each patient or resident to a dentist who is available to treat the patient or resident.

(3) An expanded practice dental hygienist may render the services described in paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection to the patients described in subsection (1) of this section if the expanded practice dental hygienist has entered into an agreement in a format approved by the board with a dentist licensed under ORS chapter 679. The agreement must set forth the agreed-upon scope of the dental hygienist’s practice with regard to:

(a) Administering local anesthesia;

(b) Administering temporary restorations without excavation;

(c) Prescribing prophylactic antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs specified in the agreement; and

(d) Overall dental risk assessment and referral parameters.

(4) This section does not authorize [a limited access permit] an expanded practice dental hygienist [to administer local anesthesia or temporary restorations except under the general supervision of a dentist licensed under ORS chapter 679, or] to administer nitrous oxide except under the indirect supervision of a dentist licensed under ORS chapter 679.

(5) [A limited access permit] An expanded practice dental hygienist may assess the need for and appropriateness of sealants, apply sealants and write prescriptions for all applications of fluoride in which fluoride is applied or supplied to patients.

(6) [A person granted a limited access permit under ORS 680.200 shall] An expanded practice dental hygienist must also procure all other permits or certificates required by the board under ORS 679.250.

SECTION 9. The Oregon Board of Dentistry shall issue an expanded practice dental hygienist permit under ORS 680.200 to each person holding a limited access permit under ORS 680.200 as in effect immediately before the operative date specified in section 19 of this 2011 Act.

SECTION 10. Section 11 of this 2011 Act is added to and made a part of the Insurance Code.

SECTION 11. (1) If a policy of insurance covering dental health provides for coverage for services performed by a dentist licensed under ORS chapter 679, the policy must also cover the services when they are performed by an expanded practice dental hygienist, as defined in ORS 679.010, who has entered into a provider contract with the insurer.

(2) The provisions of ORS 743A.001 do not apply to this section.

SECTION 12. (1) The Oregon Board of Dentistry shall compile data, including baseline data, in every odd-numbered year on the use of expanded practice dental hygienists, as defined in ORS 679.010, in this state.

(2)(a) The Department of Consumer and Business Services shall adopt rules requiring health insurers to report to the department on the reimbursement of services provided by expanded practice dental hygienists.

(b) The department shall provide the information collected under paragraph (a) of this subsection to the board.

(3) The board shall report to an interim legislative committee related to dental health on the reimbursement of services provided by expanded practice dental hygienists on or before October 1 of each even-numbered year.

SECTION 13. ORS 750.055 is amended to read:

750.055. (1) The following provisions of the Insurance Code apply to health care service contractors to the extent not inconsistent with the express provisions of ORS 750.005 to 750.095:

(a) ORS 705.137, 705.139, 731.004 to 731.150, 731.162, 731.216 to 731.362, 731.382, 731.385, 731.386, 731.390, 731.398 to 731.430, 731.428, 731.450, 731.454, 731.488, 731.504, 731.508, 731.509, 731.510, 731.511, 731.512, 731.574 to 731.620, 731.592, 731.594, 731.640 to 731.652, 731.730, 731.731, 731.735, 731.737, 731.750, 731.752, 731.804, 731.844 to 731.992 and 731.870.

(b) ORS 732.215, 732.220, 732.230, 732.245, 732.250, 732.320, 732.325 and 732.517 to 732.592, not including ORS 732.582.

(d) ORS chapter 734.

(e) ORS 742.001 to 742.009, 742.013, 742.061, 742.065, 742.150 to 742.162, 742.400, 742.520 to 742.540, 743.010, 743.013, 743.018 to 743.030, 743.050, 743.100 to 743.109, 743.402, 743.472, 743.492, 743.495, 743.498, 743.522, 743.523, 743.524, 743.526, 743.527, 743.528, 743.529, 743.549 to 743.552, 743.560, 743.600 to 743.610, 743.650 to 743.656, 743.804, 743.807, 743.808, 743.814 to 743.839, 743.842, 743.845, 743.847, 743.854, 743.856, 743.857, 743.858, 743.859, 743.861, 743.862, 743.863, 743.864, 743.911, 743.912, 743.913, 743.917, 743A.010, 743A.012, 743A.020, 743A.036, 743A.048, 743A.058, 743A.062, 743A.064, 743A.066, 743A.068, 743A.070, 743A.080, 743A.084, 743A.088, 743A.090, 743A.100, 743A.104, 743A.105, 743A.110, 743A.140, 743A.141, 743A.144, 743A.148, 743A.160, 743A.164, 743A.168, 743A.170, 743A.175, 743A.184, 743A.188, 743A.190 and 743A.192 and section 11 of this 2011 Act.

(f) The provisions of ORS chapter 744 relating to the regulation of insurance producers.

(g) ORS 746.005 to 746.140, 746.160, 746.220 to 746.370, 746.600, 746.605, 746.607, 746.608, 746.610, 746.615, 746.625, 746.635, 746.650, 746.655, 746.660, 746.668, 746.670, 746.675, 746.680 and 746.690.

(h) ORS 743A.024, except in the case of group practice health maintenance organizations that are federally qualified pursuant to Title XIII of the Public Health Service Act unless the patient is referred by a physician associated with a group practice health maintenance organization.

(i) ORS 735.600 to 735.650.

(j) ORS 743.680 to 743.689.

(k) ORS 744.700 to 744.740.

(L) ORS 743.730 to 743.773.

(m) ORS 731.485, except in the case of a group practice health maintenance organization that is federally qualified pursuant to Title XIII of the Public Health Service Act and that wholly owns and operates an in-house drug outlet.

(2) For the purposes of this section, health care service contractors shall be deemed insurers.

(3) Any for-profit health care service contractor organized under the laws of any other state that is not governed by the insurance laws of the other state is subject to all requirements of ORS chapter 732.

(4) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may, after notice and hearing, adopt reasonable rules not inconsistent with this section and ORS 750.003, 750.005, 750.025 and 750.045 that are deemed necessary for the proper administration of these provisions.

SECTION 14. ORS 750.333 is amended to read:

750.333. (1) The following provisions of the Insurance Code apply to trusts carrying out a multiple employer welfare arrangement:

(a) ORS 731.004 to 731.150, 731.162, 731.216 to 731.268, 731.296 to 731.316, 731.324, 731.328, 731.378, 731.386, 731.390, 731.398, 731.406, 731.410, 731.414, 731.418 to 731.434, 731.454, 731.484, 731.486, 731.488, 731.512, 731.574 to 731.620, 731.640 to 731.652 and 731.804 to 731.992.

(b) ORS 733.010 to 733.050, 733.140 to 733.170, 733.210, 733.510 to 733.680 and 733.695 to 733.780.

(d) ORS 742.001 to 742.009, 742.013, 742.061 and 742.400.

(e) ORS 743.028, 743.053, 743.524, 743.526, 743.527, 743.528, 743.529, 743.530, 743.560, 743.562, 743.600, 743.601, 743.602, 743.610, 743.730 to 743.773 (except 743.760 to 743.773), 743.801, 743.804, 743.807, 743.808, 743.814 to 743.839, 743.842, 743.845, 743.847, 743.854, 743.856, 743.857, 743.858, 743.859, 743.861, 743.862, 743.863, 743.864, 743.912, 743.917, 743A.012, 743A.020, 743A.052, 743A.064, 743A.080, 743A.100, 743A.104, 743A.110, 743A.144, 743A.170, 743A.175, 743A.184 and 743A.192 and section 11 of this 2011 Act.

(f) ORS 743A.010, 743A.014, 743A.024, 743A.028, 743A.032, 743A.036, 743A.040, 743A.048, 743A.058, 743A.066, 743A.068, 743A.070, 743A.084, 743A.088, 743A.090, 743A.105, 743A.140, 743A.141, 743A.148, 743A.168, 743A.180, 743A.188 and 743A.190. Multiple employer welfare arrangements to which ORS 743.730 to 743.773 apply are subject to the sections referred to in this paragraph only as provided in ORS 743.730 to 743.773.

(g) Provisions of ORS chapter 744 relating to the regulation of insurance producers and insurance consultants, and ORS 744.700 to 744.740.

(h) ORS 746.005 to 746.140, 746.160 and 746.220 to 746.370.

(i) ORS 731.592 and 731.594.

(j) ORS 731.870.

(2) For the purposes of this section:

(a) A trust carrying out a multiple employer welfare arrangement shall be considered an insurer.

(b) References to certificates of authority shall be considered references to certificates of multiple employer welfare arrangement.

(3) The provision of health benefits under ORS 750.301 to 750.341 shall be considered to be the transaction of health insurance.

COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH

COORDINATOR PILOT PROJECTS

SECTION 15. (1) The Oregon Health Authority may approve pilot projects for training and certifying community dental health coordinators to educate the community on dental health.

(2) The authority shall consult with appropriate professional organizations, educational institutions and the Oregon Board of Dentistry before approving pilot projects under this section.

(3) An approved project must require community dental health coordinators to complete 18 months of training, including an internship.

(4) The authority shall adopt rules:

(a) Establishing an application process for pilot projects;

(b) Establishing minimum standards, guidelines and instructions for pilot projects; and

(c) Requiring an approved pilot project to report to the authority on the progress and outcomes of the pilot project, including:

(A) The process used to evaluate the progress and outcomes of the pilot project;

(B) The baseline data and information to be collected;

(C) The nature of program data that will be collected and the methods for collecting and analyzing the data;

(D) The provisions for protecting the safety of patients seen or treated in the project; and

(E) A statement of previous experience in providing related health care services.

SECTION 16. Section 15 of this 2011 Act is repealed on January 2, 2018.

DENTAL PILOT PROJECTS FUND

SECTION 17. The Dental Pilot Projects Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Dental Pilot Projects Fund shall be credited to the fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Oregon Health Authority for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of sections 1 and 15 of this 2011 Act.

APPLICABILITY

SECTION 18. The amendments to ORS 680.200 by section 7 of this 2011 Act apply to applications for expanded practice dental hygienist permits submitted on or after January 1, 2012.

OPERATIVE DATE

SECTION 19. (1) Sections 9 to 12 of this 2011 Act and the amendments to ORS 679.010, 679.020, 679.025, 680.150, 680.200, 680.205, 750.055 and 750.333 by sections 3 to 8, 13 and 14 of this 2011 Act become operative on January 1, 2012.

(2) The Oregon Board of Dentistry may take any action before the operative date specified in subsection (1) of this section to enable the board to exercise, on and after the operative date specified in subsection (1) of this section, all of the duties, functions and powers conferred on the board by sections 9 to 12 of this 2011 Act and the amendments to ORS 679.010, 679.020, 679.025, 680.150, 680.200, 680.205, 750.055 and 750.333 by sections 3 to 8, 13 and 14 of this 2011 Act.

UNIT CAPTIONS

SECTION 20. The unit captions used in this 2011 Act are provided only for the convenience of the reader and do not become part of the statutory law of this state or express any legislative intent in the enactment of this 2011 Act.

EMERGENCY CLAUSE

SECTION 21. This 2011 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on its passage.

Approved by the Governor August 2, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State August 2, 2011

Effective date August 2, 2011

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