Louisiana House Bill HB245

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

Amends provisions of the Dental Practice Act relative to penalties

Impact

The bill's passage will have a significant impact on both licensed dentists and unlicensed individuals practicing dentistry within the state. By allowing interest to accrue on unpaid fines, the bill aims to promote compliance and timely payment of penalties. It retains the fines' range, which remains between $500 and $5,000 per offense, thereby maintaining strict enforcement standards for dental practice regulations. This intention to ensure that financial responsibilities are met on time further enhances the accountability measures within the profession.

Summary

House Bill 245 amends provisions of the Dental Practice Act in Louisiana, primarily focusing on the penalties imposed by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. It enables the board to collect legal interest on unpaid fines and costs, which will accrue from the date of imposition until payment is made. This legislative change is intended to reinforce the financial obligations of involved parties, ensuring that any fines imposed will not only be a one-off payment but will incur additional costs if not paid timely. Furthermore, the bill enhanced requirements for transparency regarding the public release of disciplinary decisions made by the board.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 245 appears to be generally positive among proponents who argue that the bill is a necessary step in strengthening the board’s ability to enforce penalties effectively. It is seen as an essential enhancement to the existing law that not only seeks to ensure compliance but also to uphold the integrity of dental practices. However, there could be concerns from affected parties regarding the sufficiency of the regulatory burden that this bill imposes, particularly the potential for increased financial strain due to accruing interest.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the bill's requirements for legal interest and the associated costs stemming from hearings and penalties. Critics might argue that the accruing interest on unpaid fines could disproportionately affect lower-income dental practitioners or unlicensed individuals, potentially driving some out of practice or creating barriers to dental services. The discussions surrounding HB 245 thus reflect a broader conversation about balancing regulatory enforcement with equitable treatment for all practitioners in the dental field.