- Committee -

SCS/SB 1122 - This act modifies provisions relating to the practice of dentistry and the powers of the Dental Board.

The Dental Board is authorized to issue and enforce subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum. Board investigators are authorized to inspect any person or entity licensed or permitted by the board, including all facilities and equipment related to the delivery of dental care or the making of dental prostheses. The investigators may also inspect clinical and administrative records related to the dental care of patients. The definition of the "practice of dentistry" is modified to include persons who interfere with the dentist's independent professional judgement as well as persons who review patient data in order to make judgements or decisions about the dental care of a patient.

The act provides that nothing shall make it unlawful for dental hygiene students and persons practicing dentistry in certain federally qualified health centers or migrant, community or health care for the homeless health centers to provide appropriate services without a license or registration.

Certain federally qualified not-for-profit corporations may provide dental services if such corporation employs personnel licensed in this state and serves certain low-income populations. The corporation shall not interfere with a licensed dentist's professional judgement and must apply for a permit from the Dental Board to employ licensed dental personnel to render dental services. No fee shall be charged for the issuance or renewal of a permit. The permitted corporation shall be subject to discipline in the same manner as any other licensee of the board. The act authorizes the board to seek injunctive relief against a corporation or other entity and creates a new basis for seeking injunctive relief relating to interference by a person or entity with the professional judgement of a licensed dentist.

JIM ERTLE