IndianaHB 1254Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)House

Various dental matters; respiratory care.

Sponsored By: Lori Goss-Reaves (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the educational requirements for dental hygienists. Amends the requirements for administration of nitrous oxide by a dental hygienist. Allows the state board of dentistry to establish additional requirements for an applicant who has failed the licensure examination at least three times. Amends the licensure and temporary permit requirements for respiratory care practitioners.

public healththe senatehealth and provider services

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Foreign dental graduates gain hygiene license pathway

Beginning July 1, 2026, foreign dental graduates gain a path to an Indiana dental hygienist license. The board must approve their degree as equal to at least an Indiana doctorate in dental surgery or dental medicine. Applicants must submit transcripts, an English translation when needed, and a satisfactory credential review. The review must come from the board, a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member, or another board-approved organization. Applicants must still meet other licensing requirements, including passing the exam.

More respiratory care students qualify for permits

Beginning July 1, 2026, more qualifying respiratory care programs give Indiana students access to student practice permits. Applicants must still apply, pay the board-set fee, and show good standing with no disqualifying conviction or disciplinary action. The committee must issue permits as soon as reasonably practicable after applicants meet these requirements. Students may perform approved procedures from successfully completed courses, only on non-critical-care patients, with a supervisor nearby. They must meet a supervisor or designated respiratory care practitioner in person each workday to review their work. Supervisors must countersign patient records within seven calendar days and oversee no more than three student permit holders at once. Permits end at the earliest of full licensure, license application denial, loss of student good standing, or notice of exam failure. They also end no later than 60 days after graduation or two years after issuance, whichever comes first. Graduation alone does not end the permit.

More training options for dental nitrous use

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana dental hygienists and assistants have broader training options to qualify to give nitrous oxide. They need one year of dental practice employment or graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited or board-approved program. They must complete a three-hour course accredited by that commission or approved by the board. They must also show skill on at least five patients under an Indiana dentist's direct supervision. That dentist's license must be in good standing. A completion certificate must be publicly displayed, and nitrous oxide use requires direct supervision. The dentist must verify training, set a maximum dose, and ensure compliance with American Dental Association or American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lori Goss-Reaves

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Lindsay Patterson

    Republican • House

  • Liz Brown

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 216 • No: 11

House vote • 2/25/2026

House concurred with Senate amendments

Yes: 90 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 44 • No: 1

House vote • 1/20/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 82 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor

    3/3/2026House
  2. Public Law 59

    3/3/2026House
  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/27/2026Senate
  4. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/27/2026Senate
  5. Signed by the Speaker

    2/25/2026House
  6. House concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 367: yeas 90, nays 2

    2/25/2026House
  7. Motion to concur filed

    2/24/2026House
  8. Returned to the House with amendments

    2/18/2026Senate
  9. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 185: yeas 44, nays 1

    2/17/2026Senate
  10. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    2/16/2026Senate
  11. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/12/2026Senate
  12. First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services

    1/26/2026Senate
  13. Referred to the Senate

    1/21/2026House
  14. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 62: yeas 82, nays 8

    1/20/2026House
  15. Representative Patterson added as coauthor

    1/20/2026House
  16. Senate sponsor: Senator Brown L

    1/20/2026House
  17. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    1/15/2026House
  18. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    1/13/2026House
  19. Authored by Representative Goss-Reaves

    1/5/2026House
  20. First reading: referred to Committee on Public Health

    1/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled House Bill (H)

  • House Bill (H)

  • House Bill (S)

  • Introduced House Bill (H)

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