A new rule developed in Illinois after two Chicago area patients died following sedation for dental treatment will require dentists and their staff to undergo more training.
The new rule increases the amount of sedation training needed by assistants and dental hygienists who assist in cases in which a patient is sedated, according to a press release issued by the state.
The rule also clarifies what monitoring equipment must be used and specifies monitoring procedures for the dental professionals involved in every case in which light and moderate sedation are used. In addition, it clearly defines a dentist's responsibility to ensure that staff are appropriately trained and equipped to provide emergency patient care if needed.
"The new dental sedation rules will provide a significant step in improving the safety of Illinois dental patients who seek sedation during treatment," stated Donald Seasock, acting director of the Division of Professional Regulation, in the release. "By clarifying what pretreatment planning is needed and what staff training and monitoring is necessary, we should reduce the risk for patients treated under light or moderate sedation."
This rule along with another that ensures Illinois patients who receive a prescription from their family doctor will have a reasonable assurance that their local pharmacy will fill the prescription in a timely manner were approved April 14 by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
The final rules will take effect when they are published in the Illinois Register and will be posted at www.idfpr.com at that time.
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