SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
NOVEMBER 11, 2002

HARRISBURG-- The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 592, requiring each classroom in Pennsylvania to display the U.S. flag and requiring each student to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  Students may decline to recite the pledge, but the school is required to report such refusal in writing to the student’s parents.

Private or parochial schools may also object on the basis of religious belief.

The bill now goes to the House.

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By unanimous vote, the Senate this week approved House Bill 286, which amends the Pennsylvania Dental Law by adding certain restrictions and requirements for the administration of anesthesia, and gives additional power to the State Dental Council and Examining Board.

The bill addresses dentists and dental assistants who administer general anesthesia, nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia, in particular, and requires current holders of Anastasia permits to undergo clinical evaluations and office inspections at least once every six years, and new applicants to undergo clinical evaluations and office inspections prior to obtaining a permit.  Further, the State Dental Council and Examining Board would be given all authority over education, certification requirements, collection of fees and other anesthesia provisions and would be charged with promulgating the regulations necessary to administer the new law.

The bill awaits action by the governor.

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Optometrists would be authorized to provide additional procedures under Senate Bill 831, approved 48-0 by the Senate this week.

The measure would expand the scope of optometric practice to provide for the treatment of open angle glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma.  All certified optometrists who treat glaucoma with pharmaceutical agents must also maintain a minimum of $1 million - per occurrence - in liability insurance, and $3 million aggregate per year.

The bill now goes to the House.

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