TITLE examining-boards

Part V. State Board of Dental Examiners

Chapter 101. Dental Licensure

22 TAC §101.2

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes new §101.2, concerning staggered dental registrations.

Douglas A. Beran, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There will be no fiscal impact on state government because the proposed rule describes procedures already in place as authorized by the Dental Practice Act at Article 4550b.

Mr. Beran also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that Board rules will clarify for dental licensees the procedure by which dental registrations are staggered and the fees due for the initial staggered registration period and subsequent annual renewals.

There will be no effect on small and large businesses. The economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed will be contingent upon their placement in the staggered registration system.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Executive Assistant, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all comments and written requests for public hearing must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 16, 1998.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4543 §2 and 4551d which provide the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act; and Article 4550b, which provides that the Board by rule may adopt a staggered registration system.

The proposed new rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§101.2. Staggered Dental Registrations.

The State Board of Dental Examiners, pursuant to Article 4550b, V.T.C.S., has established a staggered license registration system comprised of initial dental license registration periods followed by annual registrations (i.e., renewals).

(1)

The initial, staggered dental license registration periods will range from 6 months to 17 months. Each dentist for whom an initial dental license registration is issued will be assigned a computer-generated check digit. The length of the initial license registration period will be according to the assigned check digit as follows:

(A)

a dentist assigned to check digit 1 will be registered for 6 months;

(B)

a dentist assigned to check digit 2 will be registered for 7 months;

(C)

a dentist assigned to check digit 3 will be registered for 8 months;

(D)

a dentist assigned to check digit 4 will be registered for 9 months;

(E)

a dentist assigned to check digit 5 will be registered for 11 months;

(F)

a dentist assigned to check digit 6 will be registered for 12 months;

(G)

a dentist assigned to check digit 7 will be registered for 13 months;

(H)

a dentist assigned to check digit 8 will be registered for 14 months;

(I)

a dentist assigned to check digit 9 will be registered for 15 months; and

(J)

a dentist assigned to check digit 10 will be registered for 17 months.

(2)

For individuals who qualify for dental licensure by examination, the initial dental license registration fees will be as follows:

(A)

an annual license registration fee of $70 prorated according to the number of months in the initial registration period;

(B)

$9.00 for peer assistance.

(3)

For individuals who qualify for dental licensure by credentials, the initial dental license registration fees will be as follows:

(A)

an annual license registration fee of $70 prorated according to the number of months in the initial registration period;

(B)

$9.00 for peer assistance;

(C)

a $200 annual assessment by the Texas Legislature for deposit to the General Revenue Fund.

(4)

Subsequent to the initial registration period, a licensee's annual registration (renewal) will occur on the first day of the month that follows the last month of his/her initial dental license registration period. Pursuant to §102.1(a) of this title (relating to Fee Schedule), the licensee will pay the following fee for each annual registration (i.e., renewal):

(A)

a license registration fee of $70;

(B)

$200 annual assessment by the Texas Legislature for deposit to the General Revenue Fund;

(C)

$9.00 for peer assistance.

(5)

Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of the initial dental license registration period, a license renewal notice will be mailed to all dental licensees who have that expiration date.

(6)

A license registration expired for more than one year may not be renewed.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 28, 1998.

TRD-9801315

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 15, 1998

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 102. Fees

22 TAC §102.1

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes an amendment to §102.1, concerning fees.

Douglas A. Beran, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications on state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The fiscal impact on state government will be contingent upon the number of exception tracking numbers issued to registrants in each state-supported dental school.

Mr. Beran also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that licenses, registrants, and dental schools will know the appropriate fees due to State Board of Dental Examiners.

There will be no effect on small and large businesses. The anticipated economic costs to persons and/or dental schools required to comply with the rule as proposed will be contingent upon the costs associated with each application, registration, tracking number, et cetera.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Executive Assistant, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all comments and written requests for public hearing must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 16, 1998.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4543 §2 and 4551d which provide the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act, and Article 4550a §1 and §2, Article 4550c, Article 4551e §5, Article 4551f §6, Article 4547, Article 4545a, and Article 4544 §1 and §2 and §467.0041, Title 6, Chapter 467 of the Health and Safety Code, Peer Assistance Programs.

The proposed amended rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

Fee Schedule [ Licensing and Examination Fees ].

(a)

Dentists. [ Any person desiring to obtain a license to practice dentistry, dental hygiene and operate a dental laboratory in the State of Texas shall pay the following fees: ]

(1)

Application for licensure by examination [ dental examination fee: $150 ]:

(A)

initial application/examination: $150; and

(B)

initial assessment by the Texas Legislature for deposit to the General Revenue Fund: $200;

(2)

Annual registration [ dental hygiene examination fee: ] $70.

(3)

Annual peer assistance: $9.00. [ dental laboratory application fee: $100 ]

(4)

Annual assessment by Texas Legislature for deposit to the General Revenue Fund: $200. [ dental licensure by credentials application fee $2,000 ]

(5)

Application for licensure by credentials: $2,000. [ dental hygiene licensure by credentials application fee: $475 ]

(6)

Duplicate license: $15.

(7)

Duplicate renewal certificate: $15.

(8)

Reactivate a retired license: $250.

(b)

Dental Hygienists: [ Any person licensed to practice dentistry, dental hygiene and operate a dental laboratory in the State of Texas shall pay the following annual renewal fees: ]

(1)

application for licensure by examination: [ dentists: ] $70;

(2)

annual registration: [ dental hygienists: ] $41;

(3)

annual peer assistance: $2.00; [ dental laboratory: $100 ]

(4)

application for licensure by credentials: $475;

(5)

duplicate license: $15;

(6)

duplicate renewal certificate: $15; and

(7)

reactivate a retired license: $250.

(c)

Dental laboratories: [ The peer assistance fee for dentists shall be $9.00 ]

(1)

initial application: $100; and

(2)

annual registration: $100.

(d)

Application for faculty member exception tracking (identification) number: $75. [ The peer assistance fee for dental hygienists shall be $2.00 ]

(e)

Application for dental intern or resident exception tracking (identification) number: $25. [ A duplicate license fee shall be $15 ]

[ (f)

A duplicate renewal certificate fee shall be $15.]

[ (g)

The administrative fee to reactivate a retired license shall be $250.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 28, 1998.

TRD-9801316

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 15, 1998

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 103. Dental Hygiene Licensure

22 TAC §103.4

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes new §103.4, concerning staggered dental hygiene registrations.

Douglas A. Beran, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There will be no fiscal impact on state government because the proposed rule describes procedures already in place as authorized by the Dental Practice Act at Article 4550b.

Mr. Beran also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that Board rules will clarify for dental hygiene licensees the procedure by which dental hygiene registrations are staggered and the fees due for the initial staggered registration period and subsequent annual renewals.

There will be no effect on small and large businesses. The economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed will be contingent upon their placement in the staggered registration system.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Executive Assistant, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all comments and written requests for public hearing must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 16, 1998.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4543 §2 and 4551d which provide the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act; and Article 4550b, which provides that the Board by rule may adopt a staggered registration system.

The proposed new rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§103.4. Staggered Dental Hygiene Registrations.

The State Board of Dental Examiners, pursuant to Article 4550b, V.T.C.S., has established a staggered license registration system comprised of initial dental hygiene license registration periods followed by annual registrations (i.e., renewals).

(1)

The initial dental hygiene license registration periods will range from 6 months to 17 months Each dental hygienist for whom an initial dental hygiene license registration is issued will be assigned a computer generated check digit. The length of the initial license registration period will be determined on the basis of the assigned check digit as follows:

(A)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 1 will be registered for 6 months;

(B)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 2 will be registered for 7 months;

(C)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 3 will be registered for 8 months;

(D)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 4 will be registered for 9 months;

(E)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 5 will be registered for 11 months;

(F)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 6 will be registered for 12 months;

(G)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 7 will be registered for 13 months;

(H)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 8 will be registered for 14 months;

(I)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 9 will be registered for 15 months; and

(J)

a dental hygienist assigned to check digit 10 will be registered for 17 months.

(2)

For individuals who qualify for dental hygiene licensure by examination, the initial dental hygiene license registration fees will be as follows:

(A)

an annual license registration fee of $41 prorated according to the number of months in the initial registration period; and

(B)

$2.00 for peer assistance.

(3)

For individuals who qualify for dental hygiene licensure by credentials, the initial dental hygiene license registration fees will be as follows:

(A)

an annual license registration fee of $41 prorated according to the number of months in the initial registration period; and

(B)

$2.00 for peer assistance.

(4)

Subsequent to the initial registration period, a licensee's annual registration (renewal) will occur on the first day of the month that follows the last month of his/her initial dental hygiene license registration period. Pursuant to §102.1(b) of this title (relating to Fee Schedule) the licensee will pay the following fee for each annual registration (i.e., renewal):

(A)

a license registration fee of $41; and

(B)

$2.00 for peer assistance.

(5)

Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of the initial dental hygiene license registration period, a license renewal notice will be mailed to all dental hygiene licensees who have that expiration date.

(6)

A license registration expired for more than one year may not be renewed.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 28, 1998.

TRD-9801317

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 15, 1998

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 104. Continuing Education

22 TAC §104.1

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes an amendment to §104.1, concerning requirements for continuing education.

Douglas A. Beran, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Beran also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that individuals who cannot meet the continuing education requirements may have alternative methods available to them, credit for interactive computer courses can be given, and the term "scientific or technical" is better defined.

There will be no effect on small and large businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Executive Assistant, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all comments and written requests for public hearing must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 16, 1998.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4543 §2 and 4551d which provide the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act; and Article 4544 §5 and Article 4551e. The amended §3 is proposed to allow individuals who are not able to obtain continuing education to request the Board to approve alternatives to meet continuing education requirements. Proposed §5 is amended to provide a definition of the term "scientific or technical." Proposed §9 is added to allow credit for up to twelve hours per three year period for interactive computer courses.

The proposed amended rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§104.1. Requirement.

As a prerequisite to the annual renewal of a dentist's license or a dental hygienist's license, 36 hours of acceptable continuing education are required to be completed by the applicant within a three-year period as defined in paragraphs (1)-(9) of this section:

(1)-(2)

(No Change.)

(3)

Each licensee shall select and participate in the continuing education courses endorsed by the providers identified in §104.2 of this title (relating to Provider's Continuing Eduction). Alternatively, a licensee who is unable to meet education course requirements as cited in paragraph (5) of this section may request that alternative courses or procedures be approved by the Continuing Education Committee.

(A)

Such requests must be in writing and submitted to and approved by the Continuing Education Committee prior to the expiration of the three-year period for which the alternative is being requested.

(B)

A licensee must provide supporting documentation detailing the reason why the continuing education requirements set forth in paragraph (5) of this section cannot be met and must submit a proposal for alternative education procedures.

(C)

Acceptable causes may include residence outside the United States, unanticipated financial or medical hardships, or other extraordinary circumstances that are documented.

(D)

Should the request be denied, the licensee must complete requirements as cited in paragraph (5) of this section.

(4)

(No Change.)

(5)

All 36 hours must be either technical or scientific as related to clinical care. The term "technical or scientific" as applied to continuing education shall mean that courses have significant intellectual or practical content and are designed to directly enhance the practitioner's knowledge and skill in providing clinical care to the individual patient.

(6)-(8)

(No Change.)

(9)

Individual courses and/or instructors will be approved by providers cited in §104.2 of this title. No more than 12 hours in a 36-hour accumulation may be interactive computerized courses. These hours must be provided by those entities cited in §104.2 of this title. Examples of interactive computer courses include those that involve interactive dialog through electronic linkage with an instructor in which manipulation of text or data by the licensee occurs.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 28, 1998.

TRD-9801318

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 15, 1998

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 107. Dental Board Procedures

Procedures Governing Grievances, Hearings, and Appeals

22 TAC §107.63

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes an amendment to §107.63, concerning informal disposition.

Douglas A. Beran, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Beran also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that informal settlement conferences can be conducted as closed meetings thereby facilitating settlement of complaints.

There will be no effect on small and large businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Executive Assistant, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all comments and written requests for public hearing must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 16, 1998.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4543 §2 and 4551d which provide the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act. The proposed amendments will make it clear that panels of board members who participate in informal settlement conferences act only in an advisory capacity to the board. The rule as currently written allows the panel to dismiss cases; the amendment will allow the panel to only recommend dismissal to the board. Further, the panel no longer will be empowered to order further investigations but rather to refer a case to the Board Secretary for further action.

The proposed amended rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§107.63. Informal Disposition.

Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act, §13(e), ultimate disposition of any complaint or matter pending before the Board may be made by stipulation, agreed settlement, or consent order. Such informal dispositions will facilitate the expeditious change or correction of dental practice patterns which constitute violations of the Dental Practice Act or the rules of the Board.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Procedure. Upon referral by the secretary or executive director of a complaint or other matter for possible resolution by stipulation, agreed settlement, or consent order, the following procedure shall be followed.

(A)-(F)

(No change.)

(G)

At the conclusion of the settlement conference, the Board's representative(s) shall make recommendations to the licensee for resolution or correction of any alleged violations of the Dental Practice Act or of the Board rules. Such recommendations may include any disciplinary actions authorized by the Dental Practice Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4549, §3. The Board's representative(s) may, on the basis [ also conclude ] that a violation of the Dental Practice Act or the Board's rules has not been established recommend that [ and may order ] the case be closed, or the case may be referred to the Board Secretary for further investigation.

(H)-(J)

(No change.)

(K)

A recommendation to close a case requires no action by the Respondent prior to its presentation to the Board.

(3)

Consideration by the Board.

(A)

(No change.)

(B)

Upon an affirmative majority vote, the Board shall either enter an order approving the proposed settlement agreements , or without entry of an order, approve the recommendation to close. Said order shall bear the signature of the president and secretary of the Board, or of the officer presiding at such meeting and shall be included in the minutes of the Board.

(C)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 28, 1998.

TRD-9801319

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 15, 1998

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400