STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) to modernize dental licensing requirements and strengthen Indiana’s health care workforce.
House Enrolled Act 1254 updates education and certification requirements for dental professionals, clarifies rules for administering nitrous oxide, and strengthens oversight for repeated licensure exam failures.
The new law helps address Indiana’s oral health care shortage by streamlining licensing requirements while ensuring providers meet current standards. It also eases certain course requirements for dental assistants administering nitrous oxide while maintaining competency standards to protect patients.
"This legislation removes unnecessary barriers while maintaining strong standards for care," Goss-Reaves said. "By modernizing licensing requirements and strengthening oversight, we can support our health care workforce and improve access to care for Hoosiers."
The law also updates training expectations for respiratory therapists by requiring passage of both a Therapist Multiple Choice Exam and a Clinical Simulation Exam.
In addition to HEA 1254, Goss-Reaves co-authored and attended the signing of HEA 1044, which ensures injured public safety employees can remain on their employer’s health insurance at the same cost and allows surviving spouses or dependents to maintain coverage without unexpected premium increases.
She also co-authored HEA 1257, which increases transparency and oversight in Department of Child Services cases involving child fatalities and near fatalities by requiring timely public disclosure, expanded reporting, and publication of case summaries following reviews.
Goss-Reaves sponsored Senate Enrolled Act 180, which updates licensing and training requirements for several health care professions and improves access to medical benefits for injured public safety officers.
She also sponsored SEA 262, which enhances Indiana’s prescription drug monitoring program by clarifying reporting requirements, reducing administrative burden for providers and allowing limited data sharing to support overdose prevention and public health efforts.
To learn more about these and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
-30-
State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) (left) joins Gov. Mike Braun (center), Sen. Liz Brown (right) and fellow supporters of the bill as he ceremonially signs House Enrolled Act 1254 into law at the Statehouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
