United StatesCertified dental therapists could serve Indian health programs despite state limits
Tribes using certification standards at least as strong as the Community Health Aide Certification Board’s could certify therapists to serve Indian health programs despite state limits.
What it does
Dental therapists certified by the Community Health Aide Certification Board or tribes meeting its standards could work in Indian health programs despite state licensing and practice limits. Certification standards and federal requirements would apply.
When setting up a national program, federal officials could not reduce money provided for the Community Health Aide Program.
Argument forAllowing certified therapists to work despite state limits could give patients in Indian health programs more options for dental care.
Argument againstOverriding state licensing and practice rules could limit states’ ability to oversee dental therapists working in Indian health programs.
More detail
Certified therapists would be allowed to provide dental care within their certification in Indian health programs despite state licensing and practice limits. This covers therapists certified by the Community Health Aide Certification Board or tribes whose certification standards meet or exceed the board’s standards. Therapists would have to follow their certifying body’s standards for training, supervision, allowed services, and continuing education. Other federal program requirements would also apply.
The Secretary could not reduce money provided for the Community Health Aide Program. The restriction would apply when establishing a national program under section 119(d)(1).
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 6Introduced in HouseLatest
- Oct 6Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.Introduced
Healthcare