The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to §102.1, concerning the Board's fee schedule, to include fees for reinstatement of a canceled dental license and reinstatement of a dental hygiene license. Texas Occupations Code §257.002(d-1) provides that a person who was previously licensed in Texas, moved to another state, and has been in practice in the other state for the two preceding years, may apply to obtain a new license without reexamination. The statute provides that the fee for reinstatement is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee for the license. The current fee schedule does not include the reinstatement fee, and this proposed amendment would reflect the statutorily set amount.

Julie Hildebrand, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments to the rule.

Ms. Hildebrand has also determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering this section will be to provide funding for the administrative functions of the Board. Ms. Hildebrand has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, costs to persons or small businesses who are required to comply with the rule are no more than the relevant fees already set by statute. There is no foreseeable impact on employment in any regional area where the rule is enforced or administered.

Comments on the proposed amended rule may be submitted to Simone Salloum, Assistant General Counsel, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-800, Austin, Texas 78732, fax (512) 463-7452, or rulecomments@tsbde.texas.gov no later than 30 days from the date that the proposed rule is published in the Texas Register.

These amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code §254.001(a), which gives the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to perform its duties and ensure compliance with state laws relating to the practice of dentistry to protect the public health and safety. These amendments are also proposed under Texas Occupations Code §257.002(d-1), which sets the fees for reinstatement of a canceled dental license or dental hygiene license.

The following statutes are affected by this proposal: Texas Occupations Code Chapters 254 and 257.