South Carolina § 40-15-102 - "Authorized" defined; general supervision restrictions; billing for services of hygienists.

§ 40-15-102. "Authorized" defined; general supervision restrictions; billing for services of hygienists.

(A) "Authorized" means the supervising dentist in a private office setting has personally approved the procedures to be performed and is responsible for the care provided to the patient.

(B) In a private dental office setting, a dental hygienist may only perform the following functions under general supervision:

(1) oral prophylaxis and assessment;

(2) fluoride treatment;

(3) oral hygiene instruction and education;

(4) exposure and process of radiographs as directed by standard office protocol.

(C) A dentist in a private office setting may authorize general supervision only upon meeting the following criteria:

(1) a new patient of record must be clinically examined by the authorizing dentist during the initial visit;

(2) an appointed patient must be examined by the authorizing dentist at a minimum of twelve-month intervals.

(3) an appointed patient must be notified in advance of the appointment that he or she will be treated by the dental hygienist under general supervision without the authorizing dentist being present or being examined by the authorizing dentist.

(D) A dentist authorizing treatment by a dental hygienist in school settings or nursing home settings is subject to the general supervision restrictions provided for in this section unless the dentist or dental hygienist is working in a public health setting with the Department of Health and Environmental Control, as provided for in Section 40-15-110.

(E) A dentist billing for services for treatment provided by a dental hygienist in a public health setting with the Department of Health and Environmental Control as provided for in Section 40-15-110, is the provider of services and is clinically responsible for the care and treatment of the patient.

HISTORY: 2003 Act No. 45, SECTION 3.