ORTHO Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
The ORTHO Act, H.R. 9829, would establish rules for dental services provided through telehealth, known as teledentistry. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be required to create regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment. These regulations would generally mandate that a dentist conduct an in-person examination before providing teledentistry services or medical devices. Exceptions would exist for emergent care, participation in public health programs, or for dentists making an initial diagnosis of a teeth malposition and need for orthodontic appliances, provided this diagnosis is based on clinical judgment and not solely automated processes.
These regulations would impact patients receiving teledentistry and the dentists and providers offering these services. The bill specifies that initial diagnoses for orthodontic appliances made via telehealth must be confirmed by an in-person visit and review of radiographic records before an appliance is used. The FTC would be responsible for enforcing these rules, and states would also be able to bring civil actions for violations.
The ORTHO Act was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, by Representative Brian Babin. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill's current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been debated, amended, or voted on by the committee or the full House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9829 do?
- The ORTHO Act, H.R. 9829, would establish rules for dental services provided through telehealth, known as teledentistry. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be required to create regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment. These regulations would generally mandate that a dentist conduct an in-person examination before providing teledentistry services or medical devices. Exceptions would exist for emergent care, participation in public health programs, or for dentists making an initial diagnosis of a teeth malposition and need for orthodontic appliances, provided this diagnosis is based on clinical judgment and not solely automated processes. These regulations would impact patients receiving teledentistry and the dentists and providers offering these services. The bill specifies that initial diagnoses for orthodontic appliances made via telehealth must be confirmed by an in-person visit and review of radiographic records before an appliance is used. The FTC would be responsible for enforcing these rules, and states would also be able to bring civil actions for violations. The ORTHO Act was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, by Representative Brian Babin. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill's current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been debated, amended, or voted on by the committee or the full House.
- Has H.R. 9829 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9829. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9829?
- H.R. 9829 was sponsored by Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36] (R-TX), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9829?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (22 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Health
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
Access to Medical Supplies Act
More bills from Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36]
I–47 Future Interstate Act of 2026
AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act
To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.