1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meaning indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Administer medication” means the direct introduction of a single dosage of a medication by a dental hygienist while the patient is physically on the premises where the treatment is rendered.
   2. (2) “Administer nitrous oxide” means the initiation, adjustment, monitoring, and termination of the flow of nitrous oxide.
   3. (3) “Board” means the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
   4. (4) “CDCA” means the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments or its successor organization.
   5. (5) “Dental hygienist” means a registered dental hygienist who holds an active license to practice dental hygiene in Maryland.
   6. (6) “Dentist" means a dentist who holds an active license to practice dentistry in Maryland.
   7. (7) “Dispense medication” means a dental hygienist disbursing a single dosage or multiple dosages of a medication to a patient or an agent of the patient for introduction at a time subsequent to the rendered treatment.

   8. (8) “Monitor” means the observation of the patient:

      1. (a) During the flow of nitrous oxide;
      2. (b) During the reduction of the flow of nitrous oxide;
      3. (c) During the shutting off of the equipment controlling the flow of nitrous oxide; and
      4. (d) At all times in between the start of the flow of nitrous oxide until after nitrous oxide has been terminated and the patient has fully awoken and is coherent.
   9. (9) “Nitrous oxide” means a chemical compound with the formula N₂O.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§4-205, 4-206.1, 4-206.2 4-206.3, 4-206.4, and 12-101, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: November 18, 1977 (4:24 Md. R. 1806)

Chapter revised effective April 22, 1985 (12:8 Md. R. 803)

Regulation .01-1 adopted effective May 31, 2010 (37:11 Md. R. 765)

Regulation .02 amended effective January 21, 2002 (29:1 Md. R. 23); May 31, 2010 (37:11 Md. R. 765)

Regulation .03 amended effective January 21, 2002 (29:1 Md. R. 23); May 31, 2010 (37:11 Md. R. 765)

Regulations .04—.16 adopted effective May 31, 2010 (37:11 Md. R. 765)

Regulations .01—.16 repealed and new Regulations .01—.28 adopted effective April 29, 2013 (40:8 Md. R. 724)

Chapter revised effective November 24, 2016 (43:23 Md. R. 1279)

Chapter revised effective September 5, 2022 (49:18 Md. R. 819)