ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

House: HHS DP 11-0-0-1

HB 2026: dental board; formal hearings

Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1

Caucus & COW

Overview

Allows the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) to issue a formal complaint and order a formal hearing if after completion of the Board's investigation or review finds information that is sufficient to merit revocation or suspension of a license.

History

The Board regulates and licenses dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental consultants, dental therapists and denturists. Additionally, the Board reviews complaints against licensees and business entities, conducts investigations and is authorized to take disciplinary action for violations of state laws relating to the profession (A.R.S. §§ 32-1201 through 32-1299.26).

Currently, the Board or its investigation committee can investigate any evidence that appears to demonstrate any of the causes or grounds for disciplinary action against any person who is licensed by the Board. The Board or its investigation committee must conduct necessary investigations, including interviews between the investigation committee or Board representatives and the licensee, with respect to any information obtained by the Board or investigation committee during the course of an investigation.

If, after completing its investigation or review, the Board finds that the information provided is sufficient to merit disciplinary action against a licensee, the Board may request that the licensee participate in a formal interview before the Board. If the licensee refuses or accepts the invitation for a formal interview and the results indicate that grounds may exist for revocation or suspension, the Board must issue a formal complaint and order that a hearing be held. If the Board finds that the protection of the public requires emergency action after completion of the formal interview, the Board may order a summary suspension of the license pending formal revocation proceedings or other actions (A.R.S. § 32-1263.02).

Provisions

1. Permits the Board to issue a formal complaint and order a formal hearing if after completion of the Board's investigation or review finds information that is sufficient to merit revocation or suspension of a license. (Sec. 1)

2. Allows the Board to take certain actions if after completing a formal hearing the Board finds that the information provided during the investigation or review is insufficient to merit suspension or revocation of a license. (Sec. 1)

3. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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