79R2580 JMM-D

By:  Nelson                                                       S.B. No. 196



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the provision of voluntary charity care by certain 
retired dentists.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 256.102, Occupations Code, is amended by 
amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (f) to read as 
follows:
	(c)  A license holder on retired status:                                       
		(1)  is not required to pay license renewal fees; and                         
		(2)  except as provided by Subsection (f), may not 
perform any activity regulated under this subtitle.
	(f)  A dentist on retired status may perform an activity 
regulated under this subtitle if the dentist's practice consists 
only of voluntary charity care, as defined by board rule.  The 
board's rules under this subsection must 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.  The State Board of Dental Examiners shall adopt 
rules under Section 256.102(f), Occupations Code, as added by this 
Act, not later than January 1, 2006.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.