Source: http://dentisty.org/code-of-alabamaalabama-dental-practice-act.html?page=2
Timestamp: 2018-08-14 23:12:17
Document Index: 431301604

Matched Legal Cases: ['§34', '§34', '§34', '§34', '§34', '§34', '§34']

Article 1. General Provisions - Code of Alabama/Alabama Dental Practice Act
34-9-1. Definitions.
34.9-2. Legislative findings.
34-9-3. License or permit required to practice dentistry.
34-9-4. License required to practice dental hygiene or expanded duty dental assisting.
34-9-5. Penalties.
34-9-6. What constitutes practice of dentistry.
34-9-6.1 Mobile dental facilities or portable dental operations.
34-9-7. Exemption of certain practices and operations.
34-9-7.1 Exemption of participation in continuing education course.
34-9.7.2 Registration of a 501(c)(3) entity.
34-9-8. Dental faculty teaching permits; dental faculty special teaching permits.
34-9-9. Exercise of independent professional judgment by dentist; prohibited business
arrangements or relationships; penalties.
34-9-10. Application; licensure by credentials; special purpose license.
34-9-11. Examination of applicants; issuance of licenses.
34-9-12. Recording, reporting requirements.
34-9-13. License and registration certificates to be kept in office of practitioner.
34-9-14. Change of address generally.
34-9-15. Annual registration; continuing education.
34-9-15.1. Release of records.
34-9-16. Fee schedule.
34-9-17. Use of names.
34-9-18. Grounds for disciplinary action.
34-9-19. Advertising – Dentist; specialty requirements; practice emphasis; purpose of section; rules
34-9-19.1 Advertising – Dental referral service; requirements; prohibitions; penalties.
34-9-20. Unauthorized advertising, selling, or offering of dental services and appliances; injunctions.
34-9-21. Employing services of commercial dental laboratory or private technician.
34-9-22. Sale, offer to sell, procurement, or alteration of diploma or certificate; fraud or cheating.
34-9-23. Title and letters signifying degree.
34-9-24. Statement of charges and notice of hearing before revocation or suspension of license.
34-9-25. Judicial review of orders of board.
34-9-26. Examination, qualifications, licensing, etc. of dental hygienists and expanded duty dental
34-9-27. Employment, supervision, and practice of dental hygienists and expanded duty dental
34-9-28. Notification of change of address or employer; annual
34-9-29. Injunctions against violations of chapter.
34-9-40. Creation; composition.
34-9-41. Officers of board; seal; meetings; compensation; disposition of funds.
34-9-42. Bond of secretary-treasurer of board; annual report and audit; national affiliation.
34-9-43. Powers and duties generally.
34-9-43.1 Administration and enforcement of duties; consultants.
34-9-44. Records to be kept by secretary-treasurer; copies and certificates as evidence.
34-9-45. Board to assist prosecuting officers.
34-9-46. Subpoenas and testimony.
34-9-47. Taking of depositions.
Use of Anesthesia by Dentists.
34-9-60. Use of local anesthesia; permit to use general anesthesia.
34-9-61. Review and renewal of permit; reevaluation of credentials and facility.
34-9-62. Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
34-9-63. Permit to use parenteral sedation.
34-9-64. Annual renewal of parenteral sedation permit; reevaluation of credentials and facility.
34-9-65. Reports of mortalities and other incidents resulting from general anesthesia or sedation.
34-9-80. Definitions.
34-9-81. Permits required.
34-9-82. Requirements for treatment.
34-9-83. Requirements for assistants.
34-9-84. Report of adverse consequences.
34-9-85. Limits on advertisements.
34-9-86. On-site inspection.
34-9-87. Permit limitations.
34-9-88. Renewal of permit.
34-9-89. Treatment of patients under 12 years of age.
34-9-90. Violations and penalties.
Impaired Professionals Committee (Alabama Dental Professionals Wellness Committee)
34-38-1. Definitions.
34-38-2. Promotion of early treatment, etc., of individuals impaired by illness, inebriation, etc.;
Alabama Impaired Professionals’ Committee; expenses; competitive bidding not required.
34-38-3. Authority of board or boards to contract for Impaired Professionals’ Committee to undertake
34-38-4. Procedures for reporting impaired professional program activity and disclosure and joint
review of information.
34-38-5. Nonliability of Impaired Professionals’ Committee personnel, etc., for actions within scope of
34-38-6. Confidentiality of information, records, and proceedings.
34-38-7. Annual report.
34-38-8. Evaluations of professional who is believed to be impaired; report of findings.
§34-9-1. Definitions.
(1) ANNUAL REGISTRATION. The documentary evidence that the board has renewed the authority of the licensee to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state.
(2) BOARD. The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama.
(3) COMMERCIAL DENTAL LABORATORY. A technician or group of technicians available to any or all licensed dentists for construction or repair of dental appliances.
(4) EXPANDED DUTY DENTAL ASSISTANT. A dental assistant who holds a current expanded license certificate from the board.
(5) GENERAL ANESTHESIA. A controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of protective reflexes, including inability to independently maintain an airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command, produced by a pharmacologic method.
(6) LICENSE. The grant of authority by the board to a person to engage in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene.
(7) LICENSE CERTIFICATE. The documentary evidence under seal of the board that the board has granted authority to the licensee to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state.
(8) LICENSED DENTIST. A dentist who holds a current license certificate from the board.
(9) LICENSED HYGIENIST. A hygienist who holds a current license certificate from the board.
(10) LOCAL ANESTHESIA. The elimination of sensations, especially pain in one part of the body by topical application or regional injection of a drug.
(11) PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY ACROSS STATE LINES.
a. The practice of dentistry as defined in Section 34-9-6 as it applies to the following:
1. The rendering of a written or otherwise documented professional opinion concerning the diagnosis or treatment of a patient located within this state by a dentist located outside this state as a result of transmission of individual patient data by electronic or other means from within this state to the dentist or his or her agent.
2. The rendering of treatment to a patient located within this state by a dentist located outside this state as a result of transmission of individual patient data by electronic or other means from this state to the dentist or his or her agent.
3. The holding of himself or herself out as qualified to practice dentistry, or use any title, word, or abbreviation to indicate or induce others to believe that he or she is licensed to practice dentistry across state lines.
b. This definition is not intended to include an informal consultation between a licensed dentist located in this state and a dentist located outside this state provided that the consultation is conducted without compensation or the expectation of compensation to either dentist, and does not result in the formal rendering of a written or otherwise documented professional opinion concerning the diagnosis or treatment of a patient by the dentist located outside the state.
(12) PRIVATE TECHNICIANS. A technician employed by a dentist or group of dentists for a specified salary.
(13) SEDATION. A depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal command, produced by a pharmacologic method.
§34-9-2. Legislative findings.
(a) The Legislature hereby declares that the practice of dentistry and the practice of dental hygiene affect the public health, safety, and welfare and should be subject to regulation. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that the dental profession merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified dentists be permitted to practice dentistry and only qualified dental hygienists be permitted to practice dental hygiene in the State of Alabama. All provisions of this chapter relating to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out these objects and purposes.
(b) The Legislature also finds and declares that, because of technological advances and changing practice patterns, the practice of dentistry and the practice of dental hygiene is occurring with increasing frequency across state lines and that the technological advances in the practice of dentistry and in the practice of dental hygiene are in the public interest.
(c) The Legislature further finds and declares that the practice of dentistry and the practice of dental hygiene are each a privilege. The licensure by this state of nonresident dentists who engage in dental practice and persons who engage in the practice of dental hygiene within this state are within the public interest. The ability to discipline the nonresident dentists and dental hygienists who engage in dental practice in this state is necessary for the protection of the citizens of this state and for the public interest, health, welfare, and safety.
§34-9-3. License or permit required to practice dentistry.
It shall be unlawful for any person to practice dentistry in the State of Alabama except the following:
(1) Those who are now duly licensed or permitted dentists, pursuant to law.
(2) Those who may be hereafter duly licensed or permitted and who are currently registered as dentists, pursuant to this chapter.
(3) Those nonresident dentists who have been issued a special purpose license to practice dentistry across state lines in accordance with Section 34-9- 10. This subdivision shall not apply to those dentists who hold a full, unrestricted, and current license or permit issued pursuant to Section 34-9- 8 or Section 34-9-10.
§34-9-4. License required to practice dental hygiene or expanded duty dental assisting.
It shall be unlawful for any person to practice dental hygiene or expanded duty dental assisting in the State of Alabama, except:
(1) Those who are now licensed dental hygienists or expanded duty dental assistants pursuant to law; and
(2) Those who may hereafter be duly licensed and who are currently registered as dental hygienists or expanded duty dental assistants pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
§34-9-5. Penalties.
Any person who shall engage in the practice of dentistry across state lines or practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state within the meaning of this chapter without having first obtained from the board a license and an annual registration certificate, when the certificate is required by this chapter, or who violates this chapter, or who willfully violates any published rule or regulation of the board, or who does any act described in this chapter as unlawful, the penalty for which is not herein specifically provided, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense, to be fixed by the court trying the case, and in addition thereto may be, in the discretion of the court, sentenced to hard labor for the county for a period not to exceed 12 months.
§34-9-6. What constitutes practice of dentistry.
Any person shall be deemed to be practicing dentistry who does any of the following:
(1) Performs, or attempts or professes to perform, any dental operation or dental service of any kind, gratuitously or for a salary, fee, money or other remuneration paid, or to be paid, directly or indirectly, to himself or herself, or to any person in his or her behalf, or to any agency which is a proprietor of a place where dental operations or dental services are performed.
(2) Directly or indirectly, by any means or method, makes impression of the human tooth, teeth, jaws or adjacent tissue, or performs any phase of any operation incident to the replacement of a tooth or any part thereof.
(3) Supplies artificial substitutes for the natural teeth, and who furnishes, supplies, constructs, reproduces, or repairs any prosthesis (fixed or removable), appliance, or any other structure to be worn in the human mouth.
(4) Places such appliance or structure in the human mouth, or adjusts, attempts, or professes to adjust the same, or delivers the same to any person other than the dentist upon whose prescription the work was performed.
(5) Professes to the public by any method to furnish, supply, construct, reproduce, or repair any prosthesis (fixed or removable), appliance, or other structure to be worn in the human mouth, or who diagnoses, or professes to diagnose, prescribe for, professes to prescribe for, treats or professes to treat disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human teeth or jaws, or adjacent structure, or who extracts or attempts to extract human teeth, or remove tumors, abnormal growths, or other lesions from the human gums, jaws, and adjacent structures, or who operates for cleft lip or palate, or both; or who treats surgically or mechanically fractures of the human jaw; or who administers local or general anesthetics in the treatment of any dental lesion.
(6) Repairs or fills cavities in the human teeth.
(7) Uses a roentgen, radiograph, or digital imaging machine for the purpose of making dental roentgenograms, radiographs, or digital images, or who gives, or professes to give, interpretations or readings of dental roentgenograms, radiographs, or digital images, or radiographic or roentgen therapy.
(8) Administers an anesthetic of any nature in connection with a dental procedure.
(9) Uses the words "dentist," "dental surgeon," "oral surgeon," or the letters "D.D.S.," "D.M.D." or any other words, letters, title, or descriptive matter which in any way represents him or her as being able to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or operate for any disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the teeth or jaws, or adjacent structures.
(10) States, or professes, or permits to be stated or professed by any means or method whatsoever that he or she can perform or will attempt to perform dental procedures, or render a diagnosis connected therewith.
(11) Performs any clinical operation included in the curricula of recognized dental colleges; provided, that members of the faculty, teachers, instructors, fellows, interns, residents, dental students, student dental hygienists, and student expanded duty dental assistants who are employed by or who are taking courses or instructions at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry or such other dental colleges, hospitals, or institutions in Alabama, as may be approved by the board; and provided, that the work of fellows, interns, residents, dental students, and student dental hygienists is performed within the facilities of such dental colleges, hospitals, and institutions under the supervision of an instructor and as an adjunct to his or her course of study or training, shall not be required to take examination or obtain a license certificate and renewal license certificate when all of such work, dental procedures, and activities are confined to his or her work in the college, hospital, or other institution and the work is done without remuneration other than the regular salary or compensation paid by such colleges, hospitals, or other institutions.
(12) Professes to the public by any method to bleach human teeth, performs bleaching of the human teeth alone or within his or her business, or instructs the public within his or her business, or through any agent or employee of his or her business, in the use of any tooth bleaching product.
§34-9-6.1 Mobile dental facilities or portable dental operations.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following words have the following meanings:
(1) DENTAL HOME. The dental home is the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care, delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way.
(2) MOBILE DENTAL FACILITY. Any self-contained facility in which dentistry or dental hygiene is practiced which may be moved, towed, or transported from one location to another.
(3) OPERATOR. A person licensed to practice dentistry in this state or an entity which is approved as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which employs dentists licensed in the state to operate a mobile dental facility or portable dental operation.
(4) PORTABLE DENTAL OPERATION. The use of portable dental delivery equipment which is set up on site to provide dental services outside of a mobile dental facility or a dental office and uses non-fixed dental equipment and independent plumbing.
(b) In order to operate a mobile dental facility or portable dental operation, an operator shall first obtain a certificate of registration issued by the board. The operator shall complete an application in the form and manner required by the board and shall meet all qualifications established by rules of the board.
(c) A mobile dental facility shall comply with all of the following requirements:
(1) The operator shall maintain an official business address which shall not be a post office box and which shall be within this state and be associated with an established dental facility which shall have an official business address on record with the board. The address shall be filed with the board as part of the application for a certificate of registration.
(2) The operator shall maintain an official telephone number of record which shall be accessible 24 hours a day and which shall be filed with the board as part of the application for a certificate of registration. The telephone number shall have 911 capability.
(3) The board shall be notified within 30 days of any change in address, location, or telephone number of record. The notification shall also include the method by which patients are notified of the change of address, location, or telephone number of record. For purposes of this subdivision, patient shall mean any individual who has received treatment or consultation of any kind within two years of the date of the proposed change of address, location, or telephone number of record.
(4) All written or printed documents available from or issued by the mobile dental facility shall contain the official business address and telephone number of record for the mobile dental facility.
(5) When not in transit, all dental and official records shall be maintained at the official business address.
(6) The operator shall maintain a written procedure for emergency follow-up care for patients treated in a mobile dental facility, which includes arrangements for treatment in a dental facility that is permanently established in the area within a 50-mile radius where services are provided subject to a qualified dentist being located in the area and subject to the dentist agreeing to provide follow-up care. An operator who either is unable to identify a qualified dentist in the area or is unable to arrange for emergency follow-up care for patients otherwise shall be obligated to provide the necessary follow-up care via the mobile dental facility or the operator may choose to provide the follow-up care at his or her established dental practice location in the state or at any other established dental practice in the state which agrees to accept the patient. An operator who fails to arrange or provide follow-up care as required herein shall be considered to have abandoned the patient, and the operator and any dentist or dental hygienist, or both, who fail to provide the referenced follow-up care shall be subject to disciplinary action by the board.
(7) The mobile dental facility shall have communication abilities that enable the operator to contact necessary parties in the event of a medical or dental emergency. The communication abilities shall enable the patient or the parent or guardian of the patient treated to contact the operator for emergency care, follow-up care, or information about treatment received. The provider who renders follow-up care must also be able to contact the operator and receive treatment information, including radiographs.
(8) The mobile dental facility and the dental procedures performed therein shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and all applicable rules of the board promulgated pursuant to Section 34-9-43.
(9) Any driver of a mobile dental facility shall possess a valid Alabama driver's license appropriate for the operation of the vehicle. A copy of the driver's license of each driver shall be submitted to the board at least 30 days prior to the individual operating a mobile dental facility.
(10) All mobile dental facilities authorized in this section which are a vehicle or which are to be towed or otherwise transported by another vehicle shall be registered in this state.
(11) The operator of a mobile dental facility shall not perform services on a minor without the signed consent from the parent or guardian which form shall be established by the board. The consent form shall inquire whether the prospective patient has received dental care from a licensed dentist within one year and if so, the consent form shall request the name, address, and phone number of the dental home. If the information provided to the operator does not identify a dental home for the prospective patient, the operator shall contact the Alabama Medicaid Agency for assistance in identifying a dental home for Medicaid eligible patients. If this information is provided to the operator, the operator shall contact the designated dental home by phone, facsimile, or electronic mail and notify the dental home of the prospective patient's interest in receiving dental care from the operator. If the dental home confirms that an appointment for the prospective patient is scheduled with the dentist, the operator shall encourage the prospective patient or his or her guardian to seek care from the dental home. The consent form shall document that the patient, or legal guardian, understands the prospective patient has an option to receive dental care from the mobile dental facility or his or her designated dental home if applicable. The consent form shall require the signature of a parent or legal guardian if the patient is a minor.
(12) Each operator of a mobile dental facility shall maintain a written or electronic record detailing for each location where services are performed all of the following information:
a. The street address of the service location.
b. The dates of each session.
c. The number of patients served.
d. The types of dental services provided and the quantity of each service provided.
e. Any other information requested by rule of the board.
(13) The written or electronic record shall be made available to the board within 10 days of a request.
(14) Each mobile dental facility shall possess all applicable county and city licenses or permits to operate at each location.
(d) The mobile dental facility shall comply with the following physical requirements and inspection criteria:
(1) Ready access in a ramp or lift.
(2) A properly functioning sterilization system.
(3) Ready access to an adequate supply of potable water, including hot water.
(4) A covered galvanized, stainless steel, or other noncorrosive container for deposit of refuse and waste materials.
(5) Ready access to toilet facilities which shall be located within the mobile dental facility. Operators applying for a certificate prior to July 1, 2008, are not required to meet this requirement. Any governmental entity operating a mobile dental facility shall only be required to have ready access to toilet facilities.
(6) All licenses and permits as required by Section 34-9-13 on site.
(7) Ready access to an emergency kit.
(8) Sharps containers and red biohazard equipment available on site.
(e) A portable dental operation shall comply with all of the following requirements:
(2) The operator shall maintain an official telephone number of record which shall be accessible 24 hours a day and which shall be filed with the board as part of the application for a certificate of registration. The telephone number shall have E-911 capability.
(4) All written or printed documents available from or issued by the portable dental operation shall contain the official business address and telephone number of record for the portable dental operation.
(6) The operator shall maintain a written procedure for emergency follow-up care for patients treated in a portable dental operation, which includes arrangements for treatment in a dental facility that is permanently established in the area within a 50-mile radius where services are provided subject to a qualified dentist being located in the area and subject to the dentist agreeing to provide follow-up care. An operator who either is unable to identify a qualified dentist in the area or is unable to arrange otherwise for emergency follow-up care for patients shall be obligated to provide the necessary follow-up care via the portable dental operation, or the operator may choose to provide the follow-up care at his or her established dental practice location in the state or at any other established dental practice in the state which agrees to accept the patient. An operator who fails to arrange or provide follow-up care as required herein shall be considered to have abandoned the patient, and the operator and any dentist or dental hygienist, or both, who fail to provide the referenced follow-up care shall be subject to disciplinary action by the board.
(7) The portable dental operation shall have communication abilities that enable the operator to contact necessary parties in the event of a medical or dental emergency. The communication abilities shall enable the patient or the parent or guardian of the patient treated to contact the operator for emergency care, follow-up care, or information about treatment received. The provider who renders follow-up care must also be able to contact the operator and receive treatment information, including radiographs.
(8) The portable dental operation and the dental procedures performed therein shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and all applicable rules of the board promulgated pursuant to Section 34-9-43.
(9) The operator of a portable dental operation may not perform services on a minor without the signed consent from the parent or guardian on a form established by the board. The consent form shall request information as to whether the prospective patient has received dental care from a licensed dentist within one year and, if so, shall request the name, address, and phone number of the dental home. If the information provided to the operator does not identify a dental home for the prospective patient, the operator shall contact the Alabama Medicaid Agency for assistance in identifying a dental home for Medicaid eligible patients. If this information is provided to the operator, the operator shall contact the designated dental home by phone, facsimile, or electronic mail and notify the dental home of the prospective patient's interest in receiving dental care from the operator. If the dental home confirms that an appointment for the prospective patient is scheduled with the dentist, the operator shall encourage the prospective patient or his or her guardian to seek care from the dental home. The consent form shall document that the patient, or legal guardian, understands the prospective patient has an option to receive dental care from either the portable dental operation or his or her designated dental home, if applicable. The consent form shall require the signature of a parent or legal guardian if the patient is a minor.
(10) Each operator of a portable dental operation shall maintain a written or electronic record detailing for each location where services are performed all of the following information:
(11) The written or electronic record shall be made available to the board within 10 days of a request.
(12) Each portable dental operation shall possess all applicable county and city licenses or permits to operate at each location.
(f) The portable dental operation shall comply with all physical requirements and inspection criteria established by rule of the board and shall comply with the license and permit requirements of Section 34-9-13.
(g) The mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation shall be inspected by the board or its representative prior to receiving a certificate of registration. Once registered, the mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation shall be subject to periodic unannounced audits and inspections by the board.
(h) The mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation shall comply with the current recommendations for infection control practices for dentistry as promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control and any rule of the board relating to infection control or reporting in a dental office.
(i) The initial application for a certificate of registration shall include the full name, address, and telephone number of the dentists and dental hygienists working at the facility or operation. The initial application for a certificate of registration shall also include proof of insurance from a licensed insurance carrier that the operator has in force at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) of general liability insurance. The operator shall be required to maintain one million dollars ($1,000,000) of general liability insurance at all times for which the mobile dental facility or portable dental operation is licensed by the Board of Dental Examiners. Governmental entities which operate mobile dental facilities or portable dental operations shall not be required to have or maintain any amount of general liability insurance. The operator shall advise the board in writing within 15 days of any change in the employment of any dentist or dental hygienist working at the facility or operation.
(j) The operator shall notify the board in writing within 10 days of any change made relating to a dentist to whom patients are to be referred for follow-up care as provided in subdivision (6) of subsection (c).
(k) The operator shall notify the board in writing within 10 days of any change in the procedure for emergency follow-up care as provided in subdivision (6) of subsection (c).
(l) At the conclusion of each patient's visit to the mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation, the patient shall be provided with a patient information sheet which shall also be provided to any individual or entity to whom the patient has consented or authorized to receive or access the patient's records. The information sheet shall include at a minimum the following information:
(1) The name of the dentist or dental hygienist, or both, who performed the services.
(2) A description of the treatment rendered, including billing service codes and fees associated with treatment and tooth numbers when appropriate.
(3) If applicable, the name, address, and telephone number of any dentist to whom the patient was referred for follow-up care and the reason for such referral.
(4) The name, address, and telephone number, if applicable, of a parent or guardian of the patient.
(m) In the event a mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation is to be sold, the current operator shall inform the board and the Alabama Medicaid Agency, if the operator is an Alabama Medicaid enrolled provider, at least 10 days prior to the sale being completed and shall be required to disclose the purchaser to the board and the Alabama Medicaid Agency, if the operator is an Alabama Medicaid enrolled provider, via certified mail within 10 days after the date the sale is finalized. The operator of a mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation shall notify the board and the Alabama Medicaid Agency, if the operator is an Alabama Medicaid enrolled provider, at least 30 days prior to cessation of operation. Such notification shall include the final day of operation and a copy of the notification shall be sent to all patients and shall include the manner and procedure by which patients may obtain their records or transfer those records to another dentist. It is the responsibility of the operator to take all necessary action to insure that the patient records are available to the patient, a duly authorized representative of the patient, or a subsequent treating dentist. For purposes of this subsection, a patient shall mean any individual who has received any treatment or consultation of any kind within two years of the last date of operation of the mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation.
(n) A mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation that accepts or treats a patient but does not refer patients for follow-up care when such follow-up care is clearly necessary, shall be considered to have abandoned the patient and will subject the operator and any dentist or dental hygienist, or both, who fails to provide the referenced follow-up care to disciplinary action by the board.
(o) In addition to the requirements of this section, any operator, dentist, or dental hygienist working or performing any services at a mobile dental facility or a portable dental operation shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall subject the operator, dentist, or dental hygienist to the penalties provided in Section 34-9-18, and no order imposing penalties pursuant to Section 34-9-18 shall be made or entered except after notice and hearing by the board with any such order being subject to judicial review.
(p) The board may promulgate rules to implement and enforce this section.
(q) A mobile dental facility or portable dental operation shall conform to all requirements of this chapter, rules promulgated by the board pursuant to this chapter, any rule or regulation promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Alabama Department of Public Health, and any applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, guideline, or ordinance including, but not limited to, those relating to radiographic equipment, flammability, construction, sanitation, medical waste transportation, zoning, prevention of infection and disease, facility operation, and licenses or permits to operate.
(r) This section shall not apply to any existing Jefferson County Department of Health mobile dental facilities that have been in service providing dental care within Jefferson County prior to December 31, 2007.
(s) This section shall not apply to any mobile dental facility or portable dental operation which is operated during a state of emergency declared by the Governor as authorized in Section 31-9-8.
(t) It is the express intent of the Legislature that no state agency, including, but not limited to, the Alabama Medicaid Agency, shall restrict any mobile dental facility or portable dental operation which complies with the provisions outlined herein and all applicable state and federal rules from participation in its programs.
(u) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any entity which is approved as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and employs dentists licensed in this state shall continue to be able to employ dentists licensed in this state and to provide dental services in the same manner and under the same conditions as licensed on June 7, 2008.