Maryland Allows Dental Hygienists to Prescribe and Administer Medications in Limited Circumstances

The ADEA Advocate reports legislation was enacted in Maryland that would grant dental hygienists limited prescribing authority. 

Under the bill enacted on May 8, a dental hygienist will be permitted to prescribe topical and systematic types of prescription or over-the-counter fluoride preparations, topical antimicrobial oral rinses, and ibuprofen, not to exceed 600 mg every 6 hours for 3 days after nonsurgical periodontal therapy when practicing under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, and while in compliance with any regulations adopted by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.

 The bill also allows dental hygienists practicing under the general supervision of a licensed dentist to administer the medications they are permitted to prescribe, as well as premedication antibiotics, subgingival antibiotics and antimicrobials and nonopioid pain medication when following procedural guidelines established in the bill, and pursuant to a standing order authorized by a licensed dentist. The bill prohibits hygienists from prescribing or administering drugs classified as controlled dangerous substances, and drugs that require registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe.