Regulatory Update – September 2021
Rulemaking is currently in progress to amend the requirements for continuing education, dentist retired active status, and delegation of the COVID-19 vaccination to hygienists. More information on the status of each rule can be found below.
Continuing Education CR-102
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) has taken the next step in amending the dentist continuing education (CE) rule, WAC 246-817-440, by filing a CR-102 and continuing the rulemaking process. The proposed rule amendment will allow full CE credit for recorded interactive webinars and continues to allow full CE credit for live interactive webinars. The Commission plans to create an FAQ document further detailing this change as the rule moves forward.
Dentist Retired Active Status CR-102
In 2019, DQAC updated dental CE requirements to move to a 3-year cycle as opposed to an annual cycle. This proposed amendment will bring the CE requirements for retired active providers into alignment with this three-year cycle by requiring 63 hours every three years in place of 21 hours annually.
Additionally, the proposed rule amendment identifies by specific section which areas of WAC 246-12, Part 5 must be followed. This does not alter requirements for dentists with retired active statuses but is intended to clarify which sections providers must comply with, including WAC 246-12-120 (excluding (2)(c) and (2)(d), WAC 246-12-130, and WAC 246-12-140.
Delegation of COVID-19 Vaccination to Hygienists CR-102
DQAC is proposing to adopt a permanent rule to take the place of the current Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination emergency rule. This will allow dentists to permanently delegate the administration of COVID-19 vaccination to licensed dental hygienists with close supervision and demonstration of competency.
DQAC will hold rule hearings for the above amendments on Oct. 22, 2021, during its business meeting. Interested members can sign up to attend the meeting here. Should you have any questions on the proposed rules, please reach out to dental@doh.wa.gov by Oct. 11, 2021.
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