LouisianaHB 5432025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

DENTISTRY/HYGIENISTS: Provides relative to the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (EN +$3,700 SG RV See Note)

Sponsored By: Wayne McMahen (Republican)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Dental discipline can cross state lines

Compact dentists and dental hygienists must follow the practice state's laws and keep a current service address with the commission. Member boards can investigate jointly, share case materials, and enforce subpoenas across member states as allowed by law. Discipline in one member state subjects the professional to similar discipline in others. Home-state revocation, surrender, relinquishment instead of discipline, or suspension automatically gives all other compact privileges the same status. The home state can impose the same or a lesser sanction after another member's action, or pursue its own case. Professionals must report adverse action on a nonmember-state license to the commission within 10 business days.

New eligibility rules for dental professionals

Applicants need a current, unrestricted member-state license and must meet the compact's education, exam, and disciplinary-history standards. Education must meet Commission on Dental Accreditation standards, and FBI fingerprint or biometric checks apply, subject to federal exceptions. Exam rules require ADEX passage and accept specified regional psychomotor exams as applicable. A home state generally means primary residence where at least 25% of practice occurs within one year. Otherwise, the residence on the prior year's federal tax return applies. Active-duty service members and spouses can use their military-designated home state without the 25% practice test. Professionals can change their home state no more than once per calendar year and must meet the qualifications.

New interstate work path for dental professionals

The law directs Louisiana's governor to enter the dental licensing compact, which starts after at least five states enact it. Eligible dentists and dental hygienists apply to another member state's board with a home-state eligibility letter, required records, and fees. That board checks compliance with its laws; applicants have 30 days to appeal a denial. Member states must accept continuing-education credits recognized by other members and repository records as original-source licensing documents. The commission sets privilege length, renewal rules, and application fees; the law gives no fee amounts. Professionals can still seek a regular state license.

Six-month dental practice protection after withdrawal

A compact privilege granted by a withdrawing state remains valid for six months after that state's dental board withdraws. A state withdraws by repealing its compact law and must notify the commission when withdrawal legislation is introduced and enacted. The commission must notify other members within 60 days and set rules for professionals whose home state withdraws. If withdrawal or default leaves only one member state, the compact dissolves. The commission then closes its affairs and distributes surplus funds under its bylaws.

Military dental professionals avoid compact fees

Qualifying active-duty service members and their spouses pay no compact fees through one year after separation from service. Service members must serve full time in the U.S. uniformed services, including the National Guard and Reserves. A spouse must be recognized by the military unit as a dependent during active duty. Active-duty members can also transfer military training records to the repository for free. Boards can charge other applicants initial and renewal fees, and states can offer additional waivers; no fee amounts are stated.

New commission runs interstate dental licensing

A new commission runs the compact, with two voting commissioners per state, including at least one current board member. It meets at least annually, manages a budget, and obtains annual independent financial audits. Its valid rules have legal force within its granted powers; the executive committee cannot make rules. Member states must enforce the compact while keeping their existing authority over dental practice. Covered commission personnel receive civil-liability protections, defense, or reimbursement for covered official acts, subject to state liability limits. Intentional or willful and wanton misconduct is not protected. Compact amendments require enactment by every member state.

Defaulting states can lose compact membership

The commission can remove a state that fails to meet compact obligations and does not fix the problem. It must first give written notice, provide training and technical help, and exhaust other compliance measures. Removal requires a majority vote of commissioners and ends the state's compact rights and benefits. The commission cannot cover costs tied to default or removal unless it and the state agree in writing. States can appeal to the state court where the commission has its main office; the winner can recover legal costs. Commission rules must provide mediation and voluntary binding dispute resolution.

Dental records shared with privacy limits

The American Association of Dental Boards, or its successor, runs the compact's central records system. Member boards must submit required records and report disciplinary actions and specified investigations. Insurers and document-checking companies can request public records; professionals can request employer or insurer access to repository records for credential checks. The commission must set service fees, but the law gives no amounts. Investigative records stay confidential unless state law specifically requires release, and Louisiana adds the compact statute to its public-records exceptions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Wayne McMahen
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 157 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/2/2025

Read by title, passed by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 5/13/2025

Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 95, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.

Yes: 95 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Reported with amendments

Yes: 10 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025