Chapter 253 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

AN ACT

HB 2106

Relating to authority of the Oregon Board of Dentistry; amending ORS 679.140.

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

SECTION 1. ORS 679.140 is amended to read:

679.140. (1) The Oregon Board of Dentistry may discipline as provided in this section any person licensed to practice dentistry in this state for any of the following causes:

(a) Conviction of any offense for which the court could impose a punishment of imprisonment if the board makes the finding required by ORS 670.280. The record of conviction or a certified copy thereof, certified by the clerk of the court or by the judge in whose court the conviction is entered, is conclusive evidence of the conviction.

(b) Renting or lending a license or diploma of the dentist to be used as the license or diploma of another person.

(d) Any violation of this chapter or ORS [chapter 680] 680.010 to 680.205 or rules adopted pursuant to [either] this chapter or ORS 680.010 to 680.205 or an order issued by the board.

(e) Engaging in or permitting the performance of unacceptable patient care by the dentist or by any person working under the supervision of the dentist due to a deliberate or negligent act or failure to act by the dentist, regardless of whether actual injury to the patient is established.

(2) Unprofessional conduct as used in this chapter includes but is not limited to the following:

(a) Obtaining any fee by fraud or misrepresentation.

(b) Willfully betraying confidences involved in the patient-dentist relationship.

(d) Making use of any advertising statements of a character tending to deceive or mislead the public or that are untruthful.

(e) Addiction, dependency upon or self-abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

(f) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance in any manner proscribed by the rules of the board.

(g) Prescribing or dispensing drugs outside the scope of the practice of dentistry or in a manner that impairs the health and safety of an individual.

(h) The suspension or revocation by another state of a license to practice dentistry based upon acts by the licensee similar to acts described in this section. A certified copy of the record of suspension or revocation of the state making the suspension or revocation is conclusive evidence thereof.

(3) The proceedings under this section and ORS 679.150 may be taken by the board from the matters within its knowledge or may be taken upon the information of another, but if the informant is a member of the board, the other members of the board shall constitute the board for the purpose of finding judgment of the accused.

(4) In determining what constitutes unacceptable patient care, the board may take into account all relevant factors and practices, including but not limited to the practices generally and currently followed and accepted by persons licensed to practice dentistry in this state, the current teachings at accredited dental schools, relevant technical reports published in recognized dental journals and the desirability of reasonable experimentation in the furtherance of the dental arts.

(5) In disciplining a person as authorized by subsection (1) of this section, the board may use any or all of the following methods:

(a) Suspend judgment.

(b) Place a licensee on probation.

(d) Revoke a license to practice dentistry in this state.

(e) Place limitations on a license to practice dentistry in this state.

(f) Refuse to renew a license to practice dentistry in this state.

(g) Accept the resignation of a licensee to practice dentistry in this state.

(h) Assess a civil penalty [not to exceed $1,000 for each offense].

(i) Reprimand a licensee.

(j) Impose any other disciplinary action the board in its discretion finds proper, including assessment of the costs of the disciplinary proceedings as a civil penalty.

(6) If the board places any person upon probation as set forth in subsection (5)(b) of this section, the board may determine and may at any time modify the conditions of the probation and may include among them any reasonable condition for the purpose of protection of the public and for the purpose of the rehabilitation of the probationer or both. Upon expiration of the term of probation, further proceedings shall be abated by the board if the person holding the license furnishes the board with evidence that the person is competent to practice dentistry and has complied with the terms of probation. If the evidence fails to establish competence to the satisfaction of the board or if the evidence shows failure to comply with the terms of the probation, the board may revoke or suspend the license.

(7) If a license to practice dentistry in this state is suspended, the person holding the license may not practice during the term of suspension. Upon the expiration of the term of suspension, the license shall be reinstated by the board if the board finds, based upon evidence furnished by the person, that the person is competent to practice dentistry and has not practiced dentistry in this state during the term of suspension. If the evidence fails to establish to the satisfaction of the board that the person is competent or if any evidence shows the person has practiced dentistry in this state during the term of suspension, the board may revoke the license after notice and hearing.

(8) Civil penalties under this section shall be imposed as provided in ORS 183.090.

(9) Upon receipt of a complaint under this chapter or ORS 680.010 to 680.205, the board shall conduct an investigation as described under ORS 676.165.

(10) Information that the board obtains as part of an investigation into licensee or applicant conduct or as part of a contested case proceeding, consent order or stipulated agreement involving licensee or applicant conduct is confidential as provided under ORS 676.175.

(11) The board may impose against any person who violates the provisions of this chapter or ORS 680.010 to 680.205 or rules of the board a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation. Any civil penalty imposed under this section shall be imposed in the manner provided in ORS 183.090.

Approved by the Governor June 13, 1999

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 14, 1999

Effective date October 23, 1999

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