Chapter 415 Oregon Laws 2005

AN ACT

HB 3219

Relating to licensure of denturists; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 680.515, 680.520 and 680.556.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of this 2005 Act is added to and made a part of ORS 680.500 to 680.570.

SECTION 2. The Health Licensing Office may issue a license to practice denture technology, without examination, to any person who:

(1) Submits an application and pays the fees required under ORS 680.525;

(2) Has satisfied the educational requirements established by ORS 680.515 (1);

(3) On the date of submitting the application is a denturist licensed under the laws of any other state or territory of the United States, if the requirements for licensing of denturists in the other state or territory are not less than those required in ORS 680.500 to 680.570 and the applicant has passed a written and practical examination that is substantially similar to the examination required for licensure in this state; and

(4) Has engaged in the active practice of denture technology for no fewer than 3,500 hours in the five years immediately preceding the date of application for licensure under this section.

SECTION 3. ORS 680.515 is amended to read:

680.515. (1) Upon application, and payment of required fees, the Health Licensing Office shall issue a license to practice denture technology to any applicant who:

(a) Furnishes satisfactory evidence that the applicant has successfully completed an associate degree program in denture technology, or the equivalent in formal, post-secondary education, approved by the Health Licensing Office in consultation with the Oregon Student Assistance Commission and the Department of Education. The educational program shall include pertinent courses in anatomy, including histology, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, pathology emphasizing periodontology, dental materials, medical emergencies, geriatrics, professional ethics, clinical denture technology and denture laboratory technology;

(b) Furnishes satisfactory evidence that the applicant has successfully completed, during or after post-secondary study, a minimum of 1,000 hours in the practice of denture technology under direct supervision of an approved school or has completed the equivalent supervised experience, as determined by the Health Licensing Office in consultation with the Oregon Student Assistance Commission and the Department of Education; and

(c) Performs to the satisfaction of the Health Licensing Office on a written and a practical examination prescribed, recognized or approved by the State Board of Denture Technology and given at least annually. An applicant who fails the practical examination must complete [an] additional [1,000] hours of clinical and laboratory training in an approved work experience program, as determined by the board, to qualify for reexamination.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(a) of this section, the board may accept educational training obtained in any other state or country if, upon review of satisfactory evidence, the Health Licensing Office determines that the educational program in the other state or country meets the educational standards prescribed under this section.

SECTION 4. ORS 680.520 is amended to read:

680.520. (1) Examinations of applicants for licensure under ORS 680.500 to 680.570 shall be held at least once a year at such times and places as the State Board of Denture Technology may determine. Timely and appropriate notice shall be given to each applicant.

(2) The examination shall be sufficiently thorough to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of the applicant to practice denture technology. The examination may be in the form of written, oral or practical demonstration of skills, or a combination of any such types. The examination shall cover at least subjects listed in ORS 680.515 (1)(a) and any additional subjects required by the Health Licensing Office by rule that are based on changes in industry technology, health care delivery systems, client safety or scientific infection control techniques.

SECTION 5. ORS 680.556 is amended to read:

680.556. (1) There is established, within the Health Licensing Office, the State Board of Denture Technology.

(2) The board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor.

(3) Four members shall be active licensed Denturists, one member shall be an Oregon licensed dentist in active practice and two members shall be public members who do not possess the professional qualifications of other members.

(4) The term of office of each member is three years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor whose term begins on July 1 next following. A member is eligible for reappointment. If a person serves two consecutive terms, a period of three years must pass before the person may be appointed to the board again. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

(5) The Health Licensing Office shall provide the board with such administrative services and employees as the board requires to carry out its duties for the administration of ORS 680.500 to 680.570 and 680.990 (2).

[(6) The Health Licensing Office shall not prescribe minimum educational or training requirements in excess of those specified in ORS 680.515.]

[(7)] (6) Members of the board, or its appointed committees, shall be entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds available under ORS 680.570.

Approved by the Governor June 29, 2005

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 29, 2005

Effective date January 1, 2006

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