As used in this subpart:

1. (1)

   1. (A) “Collaborative agreement” means a written plan that:

      1. (i) Identifies a dentist licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners who agrees to collaborate with a dental hygienist licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners in the joint provision of dental hygiene services to patients; and
      2. (ii) Outlines procedures for consultation with or referral to the collaborating dentist or other dentists as indicated by a patient’s dental care needs.

   2. (B) Under a collaborative agreement, the dental hygienist may provide any services within the current scope of practice of a dental hygienist to children, senior citizens, and persons with developmental disabilities in a public setting without:

      1. (i) The presence of the dentist; and
      2. (ii) A prior examination of the patient by the dentist;

2. (2) “Collaborative dental hygienist” means a dental hygienist who:

   1. (A) Holds a Collaborative Care Permit I or a Collaborative Care Permit II from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners; and
   2. (B) Has entered into a collaborative agreement with no more than one (1) consulting dentist regarding the provision of services under this part;

3. (3) “Consulting dentist” means a dentist who holds a Collaborative Dental Care Permit from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and:

   1. (A) If engaged in the private practice of dentistry, has entered into a collaborative agreement with no more than three (3) collaborative dental hygienists regarding the provision of services under this part; or
   2. (B) Is employed by the Department of Health;
4. (4) “Dental home” means a licensed primary dental care provider who has an ongoing relationship with a patient where comprehensive oral health care is continuously accessible, coordinated, family-centered, and provided in compliance with policies of the American Dental Association beginning no later than one (1) year of age;

5. (5)

   1. (A) “Informed consent” means a document informing the patient of all proposed dental hygiene treatments, risks involved, and alternative treatments available, which must be signed by the patient or parent/guardian of any minor or incapacitated person before dental hygiene services can be provided.
   2. (B) This form must meet all the elements described in 17 CAR § 115-1905, consent forms;
6. (6) “Medicaid” means the medical assistance program established under Arkansas Code § 20-77-101 et seq.;

7. (7) “Public settings” means:

   1. (A) Adult long-term care facilities;
   2. (B) Charitable health clinics that provide free or reduced-fee services to low-income patients;
   3. (C) County incarceration facilities;
   4. (D) Facilities that primarily serve developmentally disabled persons;
   5. (E) Head Start programs;
   6. (F) Homes of homebound patients who qualify for in-home medical assistance;
   7. (G) Hospital long-term care units;
   8. (H) Local health units;
   9. (I) Schools;
   10. (J) Community health centers; and
   11. (K) State correctional institutions; and
8. (8) “Senior citizen” means a person sixty-five (65) years of age or older.