Dental deep sedation

AN ACT Relating to requiring a multiprovider system be used for 1
dental procedures where a patient is placed under deep sedation; and 2
amending RCW 18.32.640. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
Sec. 1. RCW 18.32.640 and 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 221 are each amended 5
to read as follows: 6
(1) The commission may adopt such rules as it deems necessary to 7
carry out this chapter. 8
(2) The commission may adopt rules governing administration of 9
sedation and general anesthesia by persons licensed under this 10
chapter, including necessary training, education, equipment, and the 11
issuance of any permits, certificates, or registration as required.12
(3) A dental procedure that requires a patient to be placed under 13
deep sedation or analgesia must be performed by a multiprovider 14
system.15
(4) For the purpose of this section:16
(a) "Multiprovider system" means a system where the dentist 17
performing the dental procedure and the person who is sedating and 18
monitoring the patient are two distinct individuals with separate 19
tasks. The person administering the deep sedation must be a licensed 20
health care provider acting within the scope of their practice.21
S-3913.1
SENATE BILL 6138
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Senators Holy and Cleveland
Read first time 01/14/26. Referred to Committee on Health & Long-
Term Care.
p. 1 SB 6138
(b) "Deep sedation" or "analgesia" means a drug-induced 1
depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily 2
aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful 3
stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory 4
function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in 5
maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be 6
inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.7
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p. 2 SB 6138