All Roll Calls
Yes: 216 • No: 11
IndianaHB 1254Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Various dental matters; respiratory care.
Sponsored By: Lori Goss-Reaves (Republican)
Became Law
public healththe senatehealth and provider services
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Stricter licensing rules for dental hygienists
Beginning July 1, 2026, dental hygienists must be licensed by the board. You must have no conviction that directly affects safe practice, and you must graduate from a CODA‑accredited program with at least two years (two eight‑month terms) or have a foreign dental degree the board deems equal to an Indiana dental doctorate. You must pass a board‑approved exam and pay a nonrefundable application fee; the board can add extra steps if you failed the exam two or more times. The board can make and enforce rules on exams, education, and practice. The board may accept CODA accreditation as proof a program meets education standards.
Tighter dentist exams and foreign credentials
Beginning July 1, 2026, dentists must show graduation from a board‑recognized dental college and pass a board‑approved exam. You generally cannot take the exam more than three times; the board may add extra steps if you failed at least three times. All fees are nonrefundable. Foreign‑trained applicants must provide transcripts with English translations if needed and a credential evaluation accepted by the board.
Respiratory care licensing exams and fees
Beginning July 1, 2026, you can qualify for a respiratory care license by showing one of three education paths: a board‑standard program, U.S. military respiratory training, or postsecondary credentials accepted by an approved national body. For exams, if you passed a board‑approved exam before January 1, 2028, you qualify; after December 31, 2027, you must pass both parts of the Registered Respiratory Therapist exam. You must pay an application fee at the time of applying. Licenses expire on the last day of the regular renewal cycle. The law also removes the old rule that exams had to be held at least twice a year with set written content.
Temporary and student permits for respiratory care
Beginning July 1, 2026, the committee issues temporary permits within 30 days after a completed application if you pay a fee and either hold another state’s license, are nationally credentialed in a non‑licensing state, or are approved to take the next exam after graduating from an approved program. Temporary permits end when you get an Indiana license or if your application is denied; some may be renewed for good cause. Students in approved programs can get student permits if they are in good standing and have no disqualifying convictions. Students may perform only course‑completed procedures on non‑critical patients under close supervision, with daily in‑person review, records countersigned within seven days, and no more than three students per supervisor. Student permits end when you get a license, are no longer in good standing (60 days after graduation), after a failed licensure exam, or two years after issuance.
Dental staff can give nitrous oxide
Beginning July 1, 2026, licensed dental hygienists and assistants may administer nitrous oxide under a dentist’s direct supervision. You must have one year of dental practice work or graduate from a CODA‑accredited or board‑approved program. You must complete a three‑hour nitrous course and show competency on at least five patients with a dentist’s signed affidavit. The course provider must issue a certificate that is displayed in the office. The supervising dentist verifies all steps, sets the maximum dose, and follows ADA or AAPD guidelines.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Lori Goss-Reaves
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Lindsay Patterson
Republican • House
Liz Brown
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/25/2026
Roll Call 367 on HB1254.03.COMS.CON01
Yes: 90 • No: 2 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Roll Call 185 on HB1254.03.COMS
Yes: 44 • No: 1 • Other: 4
House vote • 1/20/2026
Roll Call 62 on HB1254.02.COMH
Yes: 82 • No: 8 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Public Law 59
3/3/2026HouseSigned by the Governor
3/3/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/25/2026HouseHouse concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 367: yeas 90, nays 2
2/25/2026HouseMotion to concur filed
2/24/2026HouseReturned to the House with amendments
2/18/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 185: yeas 44, nays 1
2/17/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/16/2026SenateCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/12/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services
1/26/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
1/21/2026HouseRepresentative Patterson added as coauthor
1/20/2026HouseSenate sponsor: Senator Brown L
1/20/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 62: yeas 82, nays 8
1/20/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/15/2026HouseCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
1/13/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Public Health
1/5/2026HouseAuthored by Representative Goss-Reaves
1/5/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)