HB301 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam JonesRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Interstate compact; dentists

Summary

HB301 would let Alabama join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (Article 5) to allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in other member states with a compact privilege.

What This Bill Does

It creates a streamlined pathway for Alabama-licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in other participating states without getting a new full license, subject to meeting specified requirements. It establishes a joint Commission to govern the compact, share licensure and disciplinary information, and oversee data systems, rules, and enforcement. It sets requirements for licensees to obtain and maintain a compact privilege (including background checks, examinations, clinical assessments, and continuing professional development) and provides mechanisms for state actions, dispute resolution, and potential withdrawal or termination. It also includes protections for active military members and spouses and outlines how fees, data, and enforcement would work across states.

Who It Affects

• Dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Alabama who want to practice in other participating states; they would obtain a compact privilege by meeting requirements such as license qualifications, background checks, exams, and clinical assessments.
• Licensing authorities of participating states and the public worth noting that the compact aims to standardize oversight, improve data sharing, and enhance public access to dental services while maintaining state regulatory authority.

Key Provisions

• Adds Article 5 to Title 34, Chapter 9 to adopt the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
• Creates a compact privilege allowing licensed dentists/dental hygienists from participating states to practice in other participating states where they are not licensed.
• Requires qualifying licensees to meet standards (criminal background check, National Board Examinations or approved alternatives, clinical assessment, and continuing professional development) and to practice within the scope authorized by the remote state.
• Establishes the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Commission and an executive board to govern rules, data sharing, budgets, compliance, and dispute resolution; sets governance and reporting requirements.
• Requires a centralized data system to share licensure data, state actions, and significant investigative information among participating states.
• Gives remote states regulatory authority to revoke or modify compact privileges for public health or safety reasons; provides cross-state investigations and enforcement cooperation.
• Waives or reduces certain compact privilege fees for active military members and their spouses; allows other fee structures as determined by rules.
• Defines withdrawal, termination, and dispute resolution procedures, including remedies and potential court actions to enforce compliance.
• Effective date is October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards