Massachusetts Senate Bill S684

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

To enhance oral health through public health dental hygienists

Summary

Senate Bill S684, presented by Senator Mark C. Montigny, aims to enhance oral health through the utilization of public health dental hygienists. This legislation allows licensed dentists to enter into written collaborative agreements with public health dental hygienists, establishing a supportive framework to improve access to dental care in the community. By facilitating these agreements, the bill intends to broaden the role of dental hygienists in delivering public health services, ultimately benefiting underprivileged populations who may lack adequate dental care. One of the significant features of S684 is its provision that prevents medical malpractice insurers from refusing primary malpractice insurance coverage to dentists solely based on the existence of a collaborative agreement with a public health dental hygienist. This change is seen as a protective measure for dentists, encouraging them to work with hygienists without the fear of losing insurance coverage. Additionally, the bill includes indemnity clauses which ensure that both the collaborating dentist and their insurer are protected from claims made against the public health dental hygienist under their collaborative agreement. Such provisions address potential legal implications that may arise from this expanded practice model and aim to create a more secure working environment for dental professionals. While the bill is primarily focused on enhancing access to dental health, notable points of contention may revolve around the regulatory implications and the extent of the powers granted to dental hygienists. Some dental associations might express concerns that this legislation could blur the lines of practice between dentists and dental hygienists, raising questions about patient safety and the quality of care provided in these collaborative arrangements.