SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2126

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Health & Long-Term Care, February 22, 1996

Title:  An act relating to inactive licenses for dentists.

Brief Description:  Allowing a dentist to obtain an inactive license.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Cody, Sheldon, Smith, Van Luven, Thompson and Murray.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/22/96 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Moyer, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  The Dental Quality Assurance Commission governs the practice of dentistry by examining applicants for licensure and acting as the dental disciplinary authority.

A person may not practice dentistry without obtaining a license, which is renewable annually, and paying a license fee, currently set at $220.

There is no inactive license status for dentists retiring from the practice or moving out of state or otherwise ceasing practice in this state.  Such a license would require a lower fee.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The Dental Quality Assurance Commission is authorized to establish by rule an inactive license status.  A dentist may place his or her license on inactive status, but may not practice without first activating the license.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Technical changes are made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill provides the Dental Quality Assurance Commission with necessary flexibility.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Linda Hull, WSDA (pro); Ron Weaver, DOH.