FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2540

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

Prior to 2008 a dentist licensed in another state could become licensed in Washington if he or she graduated from a dental school approved by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). The DQAC approved, by rule, all dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). If the applicant graduated from a school that was not approved by the CODA or listed by the World Health Organization, he or she had to complete at least two additional years of pre-doctoral or post-doctoral dental education prior to licensure in Washington.

In 2008 an alternate means for licensing out-of-state dentists was enacted. This allows an applicant to be licensed if he or she practiced in another state for at least four years and completes a one-year postdoctoral residency approved by the DQAC. The residency may have been completed outside of Washington. These provisions expire on July 1, 2010.

As part of the law creating the alternative means of licensure, the DQAC was required to recommend appropriate standards for issuing a license to a foreign-trained dentist. In December 2009 the DQAC issued its report, which recommended continuing the licensing standards created in 2008.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	0
Senate	48	0