BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 196
79R2580 JMM-D By: Nelson
Health & Human Services
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under current law, dentists may apply to the State Board of Dental Examiners to place their licenses on retired status. However, a dentist whose license is placed on retired status is not permitted to perform dentistry. The board often receives inquiries from retired dentists wanting to provide charity care to their communities, but current law prevents retired dentists from practicing any dentistry.
As proposed, S.B. 196 will increase access to dental care for needy Texans by allowing retired dentists who are in good standing with the board to provide voluntary charity care as defined by board rule.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the State Board of Dental Examiners in SECTION 1 (Section 256.102, Occupations Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 256.102, Occupations Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (f), as follows:
(c) Creates an exception, as provided by Subsection (f), to the provision that a dentist or dental hygienist license holder on retired status may not perform any activity regulated under this subtitle.
(f) Authorizes a dentist on retired status to perform an activity regulated under this subtitle if the dentist's practice consists only of voluntary charity care, as defined by the State Board of Dental Examiners (board) rule. Requires the board's rules under this subsection to prescribe the scope of practice permitted for the retired dentist, the retired dentist's authority to prescribe and administer drugs, and any continuing education requirements applicable to the retired dentist.
SECTION 2. Requires the board to adopt rules under Section 256.102(f), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2006.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2005.