NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Board of Dental Health Care, Regulation and Licensing Department

SUMMARY

     Synopsis of SPAC Amendment

This amendment adds an exemption to those required to obtain a non-dentist owner license to a federally qualified health center, as designated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which provides dental services.

Synopsis of SJC Amendment

The Senate Judiciary Committee amendment broadens the definition of governmental entities exempt from obtaining a non-dentist owner license by adding the language in parenthesis and deleting the strikeouts below. The amendment exempts any government "governmental institution or" agency providing dental services with a federally "governmentally" controlled facility.

In addition, the amendment makes a technical language correction.

Synopsis of Original Bill

Senate Bill 562 requires a non-dentist owner of a dental practice to obtain a non-dentist owner license under the Dental Health Care Act.

Significant Issues

The bill defines non-dentist owners as, "Persons not licensed in the practice of dentistry, employ or contract with a dentist to provide services in the practice of dentistry or with a dental hygienist to provide services in the practice of dental hygiene or the collaborative practice of dental hygiene.

Provisions for renewal, discipline and disciplinary penalties of non-dentist owners similar to those established for dentists and dental hygienists.

Enactment of this bill would require the Board of Dental Health Care to promulgate rules and implement a process to license non-dentist owners.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no appropriation in the bill. The Board may require additional budget and FTE to implement the rules and process the additional license applications.

The level of additional revenues generated by the bill is unknown at this time. This bill authorizes the Board to charge an initial licensure fee up to $500 and up to $200 for a renewal fee.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

This will impact the administrative functions of the Board of Dental Health Care as mentioned above.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

This bill will regulate large companies that provide dental services in the state by requiring licensure of non-dentist owners. This licensure will allow the Board additional oversight of their activities.

Those dental hygienists wishing to establish a practice under the "Collaborative Practice of Dental Hygiene" law enacted by the 1999 Legislature to provide services to under-served populations of the state will be required to obtain a non-dentist license under the provisions of this bill.

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