House Bill No. by Representative McMahen seeks to enact the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact into Louisiana law, aiming to streamline the licensure process for dental professionals across member states. The bill establishes a commission to oversee the compact, detailing its powers and responsibilities, including expedited licensure portability, uniform licensure standards, and joint investigations among states. It introduces specific definitions related to the compact, such as "licensee," "member state," and "compact license privilege," and emphasizes military waivers for licensure fees while maintaining state sovereignty in regulating dental practices. The compact will become active once five states have joined, with the commission responsible for governance through annual meetings and bylaw adoption.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws governing the dental commission, establishing a structured leadership with elected officers and requiring a majority quorum for business. It mandates public announcements of meetings and the availability of minutes to member states, while a two-thirds vote is needed for entering executive sessions. The bill outlines member states' responsibilities, including reporting dental board actions and adverse actions against licensees, and clarifies that licensees with compact privileges are subject to the laws of the member state where they practice. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational efficiency of the dental commission and facilitate the mobility of dental professionals while ensuring compliance and accountability among member states.

Statutes affected:
HB543 Original: 44:1(B)(24)
HB543 Engrossed: 44:1(B)(24)
HB543 Reengrossed: 44:1(B)(24)
HB543 Enrolled: 44:1(B)(24)
HB543 Act 312: 44:1(B)(24)