BILL REQ. #:  H-0929.1 

Read first time 02/01/13.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to licensure status for dentists; amending RCW 18.32.180; and adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 18.32.180 and 1999 c 364 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Every person licensed to practice dentistry in this state shall renew his or her license and comply with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, continuing education requirements, and fees as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. The commission, in its sole discretion, may permit the applicant to be licensed without examination, and with or without conditions, if it is satisfied that the applicant meets all the requirements for licensure in this state and is competent to engage in the practice of dentistry.
     (2) Licenses issued under this chapter remain unexpired and in full force and effect for thirty days beyond the scheduled renewal date. However, (a) the applicable late fee applies to any renewal for which the payment is received by the department after the scheduled renewal date and (b) the department may not extend the next scheduled renewal date.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows:
     For purposes of payment, a health carrier shall treat a Washington licensed dentist as continuing to be licensed, and the license as unexpired and in full force and effect, for thirty days after the scheduled renewal date of the license. This applies notwithstanding RCW 43.70.280.