The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to 22 TAC, Chapter 108, §108.7, concerning the minimum standard of care in dentistry. The amendments clarify that blood pressure and heart rate measurements must be taken as part of the required initial medical examination of any patient, except that such measurements are not required for patients 12 years of age or younger, unless the patient's medical condition or history indicate such a need.

Mr. Bobby D. Schmidt, Executive Director, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has determined for the first five year period the section as proposed is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section, and there is no anticipated local employment impact as a result of enforcing the section.

Mr. Schmidt has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be an increase in the prevention of complications from treatment due to medical conditions that may manifest themselves in vital sign measurements.

The fiscal implications for small or large businesses will be minimal or none at all. Therefore, the Board has determined that compliance with the section will not have an adverse economic impact on small business when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Bobby D. Schmidt, M.Ed. Executive Director, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 475-1660. To be considered, all written comments must be received by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners no later than 30 days from the date that this section is published in the Texas Register.

The section is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001, which provides the Board with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties.

The proposed section affects Title 3, Subtitle D of the Occupations Code and Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101-125.