HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 87

(By Delegates Douglas, Kuhn, Angotti, Azinger, Butcher, Caputo, Flanigan, Hatfield, Louisos, Manchin, Marshall, Mattaliano, McGraw, Modesitt, Overington, Perdue, Prunty, L. Smith, Stalnaker, Tucker, H. White, and Willison)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of the certification of dental hygienists by the board of dental examiners in West Virginia and the adequacy of current law to protect the public interest.

Whereas, The Legislature is charged with protecting the public interest in safeguarding professional practices; and
Whereas, The State regulates and monitors the practice of professions through licensing boards, which are in turn responsible for ensuring the certification of those professionals practicing in the profession being regulated; and
Whereas, There is concern within the dental hygiene community regarding clarification of accreditations desirable for certification of dental hygienists; and
Whereas, Proposals have been presented to the Legislature regarding the accreditation of dental hygienists licensed in West Virginia; and
Whereas , It is the desire of the Legislature not to do harm
to those presently licensed as dental hygienists and to clarify the accreditations desired to be certified in the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the requirements for licensure as a dental hygienist in West Virginia, with specific emphasis on educational accreditation; and that the panel designated to study this topic include a representative from the board of dental examiners and a licensed dental hygienist; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2001, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.