Gov. Blagojevich signs law to protect patients during dental procedures

SPRINGFIELD- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a new law that will help protect patients during dental procedures, by establishing strict requirements for dental offices that use anesthesia and sedation. Senate Bill 214 comes in response to the tragic death of five-year-old Diamond Brownridge last September who fell into a coma while under deep sedation during a routine dental procedure in Chicago.

 

"This law will help make sure that when people go to the dentist they feel safe and confident that whoever is administering anesthesia or sedation is skilled and licensed to do so," said Governor Blagojevich. "My thoughts continue to go out to the family of Diamond Brownridge. I hope this law keeps tragedies like this from happening."

 

SB 214, sponsored by State Senator William Haine (D-Alton) and State Representative JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch), requires dentists to obtain a specific permit from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) before performing deep sedation.

 

"I am happy the Governor has signed this law that will ensure the safety of thousands of patients as they visit their dentists," said Rep. Osmond.  "Because of this law, we may be able to prevent other accidents from taking place."

 

Deep sedation is a state between consciousness and unconsciousness which is used in medical and dental procedures. Dentists are currently required to have a permit issued by IDFPR to administer anesthesia and conscious sedation. Requirements for obtaining a permit for deep sedation will include minimum levels of training and education and standards for equipment. It also requires all dentist and assistants to be currently certified in Basic Life Support and to continue education in sedation techniques.

 

SB 214 also prohibits dentists from advertising the use of "sedation dentistry" unless they have a valid permit from IDFPR. The law becomes effective January 1, 2008.