Using AAOMS resources, the Washington State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (WSSOMS) successfully pushed back against a legislative proposal that would have required a separate anesthesia provider for all dental patients receiving deep sedation.
The bill (SB 6138) was introduced following an adverse event in the state that remains under review. With roughly one week’s notice between the bill’s introduction and its hearing, WSSOMS quickly mobilized its members to submit committee testimony and organized multiple speakers for the hearing. The Washington State Dental Association’s efforts also were instrumental on this front.
The bill ultimately failed to receive a vote in its committee of origin and, under state legislative procedure, is considered dead for the remainder of the session. The issue, however, remains open for discussion among interested parties, and additional activity related to anesthesia safety is expected in the near future. WSSOMS remains actively engaged in this process.
