Oklahoma House Bill HB4098

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Report Pass: 2/29/24
• Engrossed: 3/12/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Report Pass: 4/11/24

Caption

Dentists and dental hygienists; Compact; commission membership; license; oversight; effective date.

Impact

The Compact allows member states to issue a 'Compact license privilege' that recognizes the licensure of dental professionals, permitting them to practice in any member state without the need for separate licenses in each one. This not only eases the mobility of dental practitioners but also addresses the complexities faced by military families relocating frequently. It provides significant financial savings for professionals who would otherwise face duplicated licensure costs.

Summary

House Bill 4098 establishes the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) Compact, aimed at facilitating greater access to dental care and streamlined licensure for dentists and dental hygienists across multiple states. By enacting this Compact, participating states can expedite the licensure process and improve interstate cooperation among dental boards. The bill emphasizes the importance of retaining state sovereignty while enhancing the efficiency of dental practices through shared documentation and information, ensuring public safety in dental health services.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 4098 appears to be supportive, especially among dental professionals and advocacy groups that recognize the need for enhanced mobility and access to dental care. Supporters argue that the Compact will alleviate bureaucratic hurdles and improve service delivery. Conversely, some stakeholders express concerns about maintaining rigorous standards across states and the potential for regulatory inconsistencies.

Contention

Despite its advantages, there are points of contention relating to governance and control over dental licensure standards. Critics are particularly aware of the implications for local regulatory authority, fearing that the Compact might dilute the high standards some states have established. They call for clearer provisions to ensure that public safety and professional accountability are enforced uniformly across all participating states, regardless of varying state regulations.