Analysis

Topic: Dentistry Continuing Education
Sponsor: Representative A. T. Frank
Committee: Health Policy
Date Introduced: March 23, 2000
Date of Analysis: August 17, 2000

Position: The Department of Consumer & Industry Services has no position on the bill.

Description of the Bill:
Allows a continuing dental education program offered in another state to be acceptable for purposes of continuing dental education in this state if the other state has approved the continuing dental education program and the dental licensing board of the other state grants continuing dental education credit to its licensees for attendance at a continuing dental education program approved by and offered in this state.

Arguments For:
The new language allows CE programs approved by another state to be automatically approved in this state if the other state accepts Michigan approved programs.

Arguments Against:
There are sufficient avenues available through the current rules to address continuing education programs in other states. It is noted that all other definitions of acceptable continuing education are included in administrative rules. It is not clear as to why this would need to be part of the legislation.

To audit a licensee's continuing education compliance, we would have to contact the "other state" to confirm that the program was approved if not indicated on the certificate of attendance. This would delay the processing of the individual's audit.

Supporters/Opponents: The Michigan Dental Association supports the bill.

Fiscal Information: None

Economic Impact: None

Administrative Rules Impact: None