Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/20/2001 09:22 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
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CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 81(FIN)
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Dental
Examiners; relating to the Board of Dental Examiners and
regulation of the practice of dentistry; and relating to
dental hygienists and dental assistants."
REPRESENTATIVE HUGH FATE, sponsor, introduced HB 81. He stated
that until Title 8 of the Alaska Statutes (AS), the Board of Dental
Examiners would terminate on June 30, 2001. A report released by
the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee (LBA) recommended that
the Legislature extend the Board's date to June 30, 2005, which
is the focus of HB 81. He claimed that the regulation and
licensing of qualified dentists and hygienists would benefit the
public's safety and welfare.
Representative Fate added that HB 81 also addresses issues of
concern to the Dental Board of Examiners and the Alaska Dental
Society. HB 81 attempts to clear up some duplicate and confusing
language, reduces paperwork, expands the definition of dentistry,
addresses dental testing and equivalency options, Board
appointments and increases the allowable civil fine penalty that
the Board can impose.
CATHERINE REARDON, Director, Division of Occupational Licensing,
Department of Community and Economic Development, addressed the
statute changes. She added that there are items in the bill that
were requested by the Dental Society.
Representative Fate offered to go through the statute changes. He
detailed the changes in version B of the bill. [Copy on File].
In response to Co-Chair Kelly, Representative Fate explained that
the State of Alaska had signed onto the Central Licensing Agency
regional examining board. Throughout the United States, there are
regional examining boards and each of those boards have different
standards.
Senator Wilken asked if the legislation would affect the ability of
smaller communities from hiring traveling dentists on a part-time
basis.
Representative Fate did not believe that the bill would address
that concern. There are public health circumstances requiring them
to have a license to practice. There are areas that they could
practice, however, it would not be possible without a waiver for a
private practitioner.
Ms. Reardon added that the process of obtaining an Alaska license
as a dentist is complete and extensive and that this bill does not
address that. The only people who are exempt from the licensure
are those that work for the U.S. Public Health Service as federal
dentists. She added that the addition of the Central Regional test
to the Western Regional test would increase the pool of dentists
who can move into Alaska without having to retake their boards.
That will make Alaska a more receptive State.
Representative Fate noted that there have been retired dentist
returning to the State to work part-time. The more dentists that
are licensed in the State, the more likely that there will be
dentists working on a part time basis.
Senator Wilken referenced Page 3, Line 22 and 27, asked what would
stop an agency from hiring part-time service.
Representative Fate responded that if the person was a new licensed
dentist, nothing would stop them from working.
Ms. Reardon explained that the bill would not make it easier or
more difficult for people in that situation. There are several
other requirements besides passing the test. One of those
requirements is engaged in continuous active clinical practice
averaging at least 20 hours a week for each of the five years
immediately preceding the application.
Senator Wilken believed that there appears to be a very real need
for temporary dentists in the more remote areas. He asked if the
bill could be held over for further consideration.
Senator Olson commented on the dental needs of the low-income rural
families. He stressed the need for qualified dentists being sent
to the village areas.
Senator Green noted the number of doctors and dentists doing
mission work all over the world, while Alaska still is not able to
get our own needs meet.
Co-Chair Donley voiced his appreciation to Representative Fate for
sponsoring the bill. He noted his concern with the fiscal note.
He thought he had requested that the agencies not use numerical
abbreviations for other fund sources and instead list everything in
layman terms.
Ms. Reardon clarified that message had not gotten through to the
Department. She indicated that she could change the language.
Senator Leman referenced Section 4.
SFC 01 # 80, Side B 10:12 AM
Senator Leman commented that the condition for dental hygienists is
worse than it is for dentists.
Representative Fate acknowledged that to be true.
Senator Austerman asked if Representative Fate would favor changing
"shall" to "may".
Representative Fate replied that he had no objections to that
change.
Senator Leman moved to adopt Amendment #1, Page 2, Line 16,
deleting "shall" and inserting "may". There being no objection, it
was ADOPTED.
Senator Leman moved to adopt Amendment #2, Page 6, Line 24,
deleting "relating" and inserting "related". There being no
objection, it was ADOPTED.
DR. ROBINSON, [Testified via Teleconference], offered to answer
questions of the Committee. He commented that the doctors have the
same concerns regarding health care providers and patient access.
The doctors have been working two years with the Division of
Medical Assistance and have made progress. The intent of the bill
is to make more acceptable standards so that a person that has
taken the proper exams could apply for a license and get one.
Co-Chair Kelly stated that HB 81 would be HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
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