It is official...the Governor signed LB 247e on May 31^st, 2007!

This law allows dental hygienists to perform select services unsupervised in public health settings and healthcare facilities.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PRACTICE AS AN UNSUPERVISED RDH?

1. Apply for the public health permit

2. Apply for a national provider identification number

3. Apply for a Medicaid provider number

4. Read Nebraska statute 38-1130 and 38-1131 so you fully understand the law as it applies to practicing unsupervised.

1. Nebraska Dental Hygienist Public Health Permit

 Application form is now available
...More information below

2. National Provider Identifier Number
Required in ‘07
 

3. Medicaid Direct Reimbursement to RDH Enrollment Form

The enrollment form and instructions can be found at the following website: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/med/providerenrollment.htm

The form that needs to be completed is the MC-19.  The contact person for the enrollment process is Marla Scheer at 402-471-9717.

Public Health Supervision Permit Available
 

     Did you know…Current law allows dental hygienists to provide the following services in healthcare facilities and public health settings without the supervision of a dentist?

 Services allowable:

1. Oral prophylaxis for healthy children who do not require prophylactic antibiotic coverage (children only)

2. Pulp vitality testing (children or adults)

3. Application of fluorides (children or adults)

4. Application of sealants and other topical agents for the prevention of oral disease (children or adults)

5. Perform duties that any dental assistant is authorized to perform (children or adults)

In order for a hygienist to practice under the new law, you must:

1. Have a current Nebraska dental hygiene license

2. Have 3,000 hours of clinical experience in 4 of the preceding 5 calendar years

3. Carry professional liability coverage

4. Complete & submit to the Dept. of Health & Human Services a completed application form. (see above section)
 

 There is no cost to apply for the permit. Once you receive your permit number, you are eligible to provide services as mentioned. You must keep the Dept. of Health & Human Services informed of services you’re providing and you must inform all patients that the treatment they are receiving does not constitute a complete dental diagnosis of care.

 Applications are available by contacting Vonda Apking at: vonda.apking@dhss.ne.gov or you can down load above section.

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Nebraska Dental Hygiene Initiative
(NDHI)

Looking for ways to fund your newest public health endeavors? The Nebraska Dental Hygiene Initiative (NDHI), a 501©3 subsidiary company of NDHA, has been formed and is an official entity. This newly founded corporation will allow RDH’s across the state of NE to apply for grant opportunities to practice in public health settings and healthcare facilities as stated in the dental hygiene statutes. For more information, please contact Annette Byman: 402-965-3514 or annettebyman@hotmail.com.

NDHA…is keeping you informed

and YOU…must keep NDHA informed…

NDHA has sponsored continuing education courses in NE component areas entitled “Putting New Legislation Into Practice” and “Grant Writing Opportunities for the Dental Hygienist”.  Plans are underway to bring this course to the 2010 NDHA Annual Session.
 

Please keep NDHA informed of grant applications and new endeavors on your behalf regarding our new scope of practice allowing dental hygienists the ability to provide select services in a healthcare facility or public health setting.  We invite you to share your successes with us!!

NDHA would like to feature hygienists who are reaching out to the underserved and unserved areas in Nebraska in our Nebraskaland Explorer newsletter. If you are practicing with the NE public health permit, please contact Annette Byman so we can include you in a future newsletter article.