Rep. Lee Hawkins’ Legislation to Streamline Process for Dentist Permits for Sedation and Anesthesia Signed into Law

ATLANTA - State Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), chairman of the House Health Committee, today announces that House Bill 1278, legislation he sponsored to improve efficiencies in the issuance of permits for dentists to administer conscious sedation and general anesthesia, has been signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.

"I am happy to see this important bill become law to improve the certification process for dentists to administer conscious sedation and anesthesia, while also ensuring patient safety remains a priority," said Chairman Hawkins. "This law will streamline the current process by eliminating red tape and making it easier to for dentists to be certified to perform basic dental services that require sedation. Ultimately, this law will enhance the patient experience for Georgians and increase access to dental care by allowing dentists to see patients more expeditiously."

Under HB 1278, the Georgia Board of Dentistry, or a designee of the board, will be allowed to certify that a dental office is properly equipped to administer conscious sedation to a patient.

More information on HB 1278 may be found here.

*Editor's note: A photo from the bill signing is included below.

Representative Lee Hawkins represents the citizens of District 27, which includes portions of Hall and Lumpkin counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Health Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, Banks & Banking, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance, Regulated Industries and Rules committees, as well as the Special Committee on Healthcare. He also serves as an Ex-Officio member of the Public and Community Health Committee.

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