Sec. 262.1515. DELEGATION OF DUTIES TO DENTAL HYGIENIST PRACTICING IN CERTAIN FACILITIES. (a) A licensed dentist may delegate a service, task, or procedure, pursuant to this section, to a dental hygienist, without complying with Section 262.151(a)(2) if:

(1) the dental hygienist has at least two years' experience in the practice of dental hygiene; and

(2) the service, task, or procedure is performed in one of the following locations:

(A) a nursing facility as defined in Section 242.301, Health and Safety Code;

(B) a school-based health center established under Subchapter B, Chapter 38, Education Code; or

(C) a community health center as defined by Section 136.002, Human Resources Code.

(b) The patient must be referred to a licensed dentist after the completion of a service, task, or procedure performed under Subsection (a).

(c) A dental hygienist may only perform delegated tasks or procedures with respect to a patient for six months unless the patient has been examined by a dentist in compliance with Section 262.151(a)(2).

(d) A dental hygienist may not perform any service, task, or procedure under this section without the express authorization of a dentist.

(e) The facility under Subsection (a)(2) shall note each delegated service, task, or procedure performed by the dental hygienist under this section in the patient's medical records.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1470, Sec. 4.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 15.0045, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 270 (S.B. 97), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 270 (S.B. 97), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.