Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1240
dental board; access to records
Purpose
Requires dental licensees' or certificate holders' records, books and documents to be made
available to the state Board of Dental Examiners (Board) free of charge as part of an investigation.
Background
The Board is established to promote the safe and professional practice of dentistry. The
mission of the Board is to provide professional, courteous service and information to the dental
profession and the general public through: 1) the examination and licensure process; 2) the
complaint adjudication and enforcement processes; and 3) the protection of oral health, safety and
welfare of Arizona citizens through a fair and impartial system (A.R.S. § 32-1207). The Board is
charged with the investigation of complaints regarding dental professionals and related business
entities, which are resolved through: 1) the issuing of a letter of concern; 2) the issuing of decrees
of censure; 3) fixing periods and terms of probation; 4) suspending or revoking licenses,
certificates and restricted permits; and 5) reinstating licenses, certificates and restricted permits in
proper cases (A.R.S. § 32-1207).
Current statute requires, upon request, dental licensees or certificate holders to grant
authorized Board personnel access to their place of practice to conduct an inspection as well as
access to their records, books and documents as part of an investigation (A.R.S. § 32-1264).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires dental licensees' or certificate holders' records, books and documents be made
available to the Board, free of charge, as part of an investigation.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2022
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