TITLE: Relating to consent before a dentist or dental hygienist may clean teeth without performing an x-ray.

SUMMARY: Relating to consent before a dentist or dental hygienist may clean teeth without performing an x-ray.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to consent before a dentist or dental hygienist may clean teeth without performing an x-ray. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 258, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 258.055 to read as follows: Sec. 258.055. CONSENT TO CLEANING WITHOUT X-RAY. If, in the dentist's professional judgment, a dental x-ray is necessary before a patient's teeth may be cleaned, the dentist may clean the patient's teeth without first making a dental x-ray only if the dentist obtains the patient's voluntary, written informed consent on a form prescribed by the board. SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 262, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 262.153 to read as follows: Sec. 262.153. CONSENT TO CLEANING WITHOUT X-RAY. If, in the dental hygienist's professional judgment, a dental x-ray is necessary before a patient's teeth may be cleaned, the dental hygienist may clean the patient's teeth without first making a dental x-ray only if the dental hygienist obtains the patient's voluntary, written informed consent on a form prescribed by the board. SECTION 3. The State Board of Dental Examiners shall prescribe a consent form for use by patients under Sections 258.055 and 262.153, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not later than November 1, 2011. SECTION 4. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.