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§ 4-206.4. Dental hygienists; prescribing and administration of medications

West's Annotated Code of MarylandHealth OccupationsEffective: October 1, 2020

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Health Occupations (Refs & Annos)
Title 4. Dentistry (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 2. State Board of Dental Examiners (Refs & Annos)
Effective: October 1, 2020
MD Code, Health Occupations, § 4-206.4
§ 4-206.4. Dental hygienists; prescribing and administration of medications
Currentness
Prescribing of medication
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a dental hygienist who complies with subsections (e) and (f) of this section may prescribe:
(i) Topical and systemic types of prescription or over-the-counter fluoride preparations;
(ii) Topical antimicrobial oral rinses; and
(iii) Ibuprofen not exceeding 600 mg every 6 hours for up to 3 days after nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
(2) A dental hygienist may not prescribe a drug:
(i) That is classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812; or
(ii) The prescription of which requires a federal Drug Enforcement Agency registration.
Administration of medication
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a dental hygienist who complies with subsections (e) and (f) of this section may administer medication, including:
(1) A medication listed under subsection (a)(1) of this section;
(2) Premedication antibiotics by mouth as required for dental treatment;
(3) Subgingival antibiotics and antimicrobials; and
(4) Nonopioid pain medication.
Prohibitions
(c) A dental hygienist may not administer a medication:
(1) That is classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812;
(2) The prescription of which requires a federal Drug Enforcement Agency registration; or
(3) Except for local anesthesia administered in accordance with § 4-206.1 or § 4-206.3 of this subtitle, that is administered by intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, or intradermal injection.
Requirements for administering medication
(d) A dental hygienist may administer a medication under subsection (b) of this section:
(1) Under a standing order in the patient's record that is authorized by a supervising dentist; and
(2) If the dental hygienist includes the following information in writing in the patient's record:
(i) The name of the medication;
(ii) The date and time the medication was administered;
(iii) The route by which the medication was administered; and
(iv) The dosage of the medication that was administered.
Requirements for prescribing or administering medication
(e) A dental hygienist prescribing or administering medication as authorized under this section shall prescribe or administer medication:
(1) Under the general supervision of a licensed dentist;
(2) In compliance with applicable regulations adopted by the Board; and
(3) In compliance with applicable provisions of Title 12 of this article and Title 21 of the Health--General Article regarding prescription packaging, labeling, and record keeping.
Educational requirements
(f) Before prescribing or administering medication as authorized under this section, a dental hygienist shall complete any educational requirements established by the Board under § 4-205(a)(1)(xi) of this subtitle through an accredited dental hygiene program.

Credits

Added by Acts 2020, c. 311, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2020.
MD Code, Health Occupations, § 4-206.4, MD HEALTH OCCUP § 4-206.4
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
End of Document