2003S0631-1 03/13/03


By:  Carona                                                       S.B. No. 1571

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of dental laboratories and dental technicians. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 266.002, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 266.002. EXEMPTIONS. This chapter does not apply to: (1) a student enrolled in a program of a school of dentistry; [or] (2) a licensed dentist engaged in the practice of dentistry in this state who performs a dental laboratory service for compensation or an employee of the dentist or of the professional corporation or partnership in which the dentist is an officer, partner, or employee if the service is performed: (A) for a patient of the dentist or of the professional corporation or partnership in which the dentist is an officer, partner, or employee; and (B) on the premises in which the dentist practices dentistry; or (3) a manufacturer of materials or component parts, used in the fabrication of a dental prosthetic appliance and for sale or use by a dental laboratory, that are not directly fitted to a dental model or cast of the human teeth, gums, jaws, or alveolar process. SECTION 2. Subsection (c), Section 266.102, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) In prescribing the content of continuing education courses under Subsection (b)(4), the board shall require the course content to be at least as comprehensive as a course approved by a [nationally] recognized board of certification for dental technology. SECTION 3. Subsection (a), Section 266.152, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A dental laboratory must have at least one dental technician working on the laboratory's premises who is certified by a [nationally] recognized board of certification for dental technology. SECTION 4. Subsection (b), Section 266.153, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) The application must include: (1) evidence satisfactory to the board that the dental laboratory meets the requirements prescribed by Section 266.152(a), if applicable; and (2) [the name and address of each dental technician employed by the dental laboratory; and [(3)] any other information required by the board. SECTION 5. Subsection (b), Section 266.201, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) The prescription or work order must contain: (1) the signature and Texas dental license number of the dentist; (2) the date the prescription or work order is signed; (3) the patient's name [and address]; and (4) a description of the dental laboratory service ordered. SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.