During the 2023 legislative session, WSDA successfully advocated for the passage of three important dental workforce bills that reduce barriers to hygiene licensure in our state and increase licensure portability for dentists and hygienists.

• ESHB 1466 will make it easier for out-of-state hygienists to obtain a Washington state license and start providing preventive care sooner by extending the initial limited license from 18 months to 5 years.
• HB 1287 removes the requirement to have worked 560 hours over the past 24 consecutive months for hygienists seeking initial licensure.
• Under ESHB 1576, Washington state is now one of the first states to join the Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact, which enables dentist and hygienists to practice in all states participating in the Compact rather than having to obtain an individual license in every state they want to practice.

In addition to advocating for important workforce legislation, WSDA also supported or opposed several bills this session concerning dental-related issues, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more. The following is a summary of passed legislation that may impact you as a provider, business owner, or employee.

Issues Summarized

Health Care & Workforce-Related Legislation

• Extending the Initial Limited License for Dental Hygienists
• Removing a Barrier to Initial Limited Hygiene Licensure
• Joining the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
• Dental Therapy
• Expanding Dental Faculty Licenses
• Military Spouse Employment
• Water Fluoridation Notice
• Collecting the Demographic Information of Health Care Professionals
• Health Carriers Offering Dental Only Coverage
• Establishing a State Medical Reserve Corps
• Preventing Use of Vapor and Tobacco Products by Minors

Business & Employer/Employee-Related Legislation

• Regulating Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Expanding Good Cause Voluntary Quits for Unemployment Insurance
• Recording and Observing Independent Medical Exams

Budget Highlights

• Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increase for CDT Code D1120
• University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies Proviso
• University of Washington School of Dentistry
• Skagit Valley College Dental Therapy Education Program
• Washington Health Corps Loan Repayment Program
• School Employees Benefits Board Uniform Dental Plan Modifications
• Funding to Increase Periodontal Treatments for Apple Health Eligible Adults with Diabetes
• Specialized Care Pilot Program
• Pacific Northwest University
• Several Dental Clinic Expansion Projects

Click here to read the full summary.

2023 Legislative Session Summary

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