Week three of the 2023 Washington state legislative session saw many more bills introduced and heard in committees. WSDA continues to track bills concerning a variety of issues, and below is an update on week three activities.

Concerning Water Systems' Notice to Customers of Public Health Considerations (HB 1251/SB 5215)

HB 1251/SB 5215 requires a public water system considering discontinuing fluoridation of its water supply to obtain information from the Department of Health on the public health impacts of fluoridation, and to provide that information and a notification of any meeting at which a vote or decision on discontinuing fluoridation will be made to its customers at least 90 days prior to the vote or decision. The bill provides that a public water system that violates the notification requirements must continue fluoridation until the notification requirements have been satisfied.

HB 1251 was heard in the House Local Government Committee on Jan. 24, and Dr. Chris Delecki, former WSDA President, testified in support. Dr. Delecki’s testimony can be viewed on TVW [58:30-1:00:54].

WSDA signed in pro on HB 1251.

Concerning Dental Hygienists (HB 1287)

HB 1287 would remove the requirement for hygienists seeking initial licensure in Washington state to have worked 560 hours over the past 24 consecutive months. This legislation addresses just one of several barriers to licensure, and WSDA believes a more comprehensive approach, as is proposed in HB 1466, is needed. 

HB 1287 was heard in the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee on Jan. 24, and WSDA testified in support. WSDA’s testimony can be viewed on TVW [28:34-29:41].

WSDA signed in pro on HB 1287.

HB 1287 passed out of the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee unanimously on Jan. 27.

Faculty in Dental Schools (Senate Bill 5113/House Bill 1327)

A legislative request from the Department of Health, SB 5113/HB 1327 allows any CODA-accredited dental school in Washington state to request temporary licensure for persons who have accepted faculty employment at the school. The bill also allows dental schools to request limited licensure for postdoctoral students or postdoctoral residents. The current statute is specific to the University of Washington, and SB 5113/HB 1327 would ensure that faculty of the recently established Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine (PNWU), along with future CODA-accredited dental schools, are able to obtain a faculty license.

HB 1327 was heard in the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee on Jan. 24, and Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at PNWU, testified in support. Dean Panagakos’ testimony can be viewed on TVW [32:25-36:45].

WSDA signed in pro on HB 1327.

SB 5113 passed out of the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee unanimously on Jan. 24.

Questions?

Please contact WSDA at info@wsda.org.