SB205 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Interstate compact; dentists

Summary

SB205 would let Alabama join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling cross-state practice by licensed dentists and dental hygienists through compact privileges.

What This Bill Does

It adds Article 5 to Chapter 9 of Title 34 to adopt the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. It creates a pathway for dentists and dental hygienists licensed in participating states to practice in other participating states without full licensure, as long as they work within the remote state's allowed scope. It sets up a joint commission and a centralized data system to regulate, share licensure and disciplinary information, and oversee investigations and funding. It requires participating states to meet uniform standards (background checks, exams, clinical assessments, continuing education) to protect public health and safety while allowing mobility for licensed professionals.

Who It Affects

• Dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Alabama (and other participating states) who want to practice in other participating states under a compact privilege, subject to meeting the compact's requirements and the remote state's scope of practice.
• State licensing authorities (like the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners) and the public, as the compact creates shared regulation, data sharing, enforcement mechanisms, and potential changes in licensure processes and access to dental care.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes adding Article 5 to Chapter 9, Title 34 to adopt the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
• Creates a compact privilege allowing a dentist or dental hygienist licensed in a participating state to practice in other participating states without full licensure, within the remote state's scope of practice.
• Requires participating states to meet model compact standards (criminal background checks, licensure examinations, clinical assessments, continuing professional development) and to share licensure and disciplinary information.
• Establishes the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Commission and an Executive Board to govern the compact, set rules and budgets, and oversee data, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Creates a centralized data system to track licensure, state actions, and significant investigative information across participating states and share it among states.
• Allows joint investigations and shared enforcement; permits suspension/removal of compact privileges and requires compliance with the regulating state's authority.
• Provides procedures for withdrawal, default, dispute resolution, and enforcement, including remedies and immunity for commission members; allows for attorney fees and costs in enforcement actions.
• Provides active military members and spouses with fee exemptions or reductions for compact privileges; remote states may also offer reduced or no fees.
• Effective date is October 1, 2024, with state participation review and rules becoming binding; states may withdraw, with a process and notice requirements.

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