Public Act 1013 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB5752 Enrolled LRB097 20548 CEL 66134 b

Public Act 097-1013

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Dental Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 4, 6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 16.1, 17, 19, 22, 23, 23a, 23b, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, and 45 as follows:

(225 ILCS 25/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 2304)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 4. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Address of record" means the designated address recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit. It is the duty of the applicant or licensee to inform the Department of any change of address and those changes must be made either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department.

(a) "Department" means the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. (b) "Director" means the Director of Professional Regulation.

(c) "Board" means the Board of Dentistry established by Section 6 of this Act.

(d) "Dentist" means a person who has received a general license pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 11 of this Act and who may perform any intraoral and extraoral procedure required in the practice of dentistry and to whom is reserved the responsibilities specified in Section 17.

(e) "Dental hygienist" means a person who holds a license under this Act to perform dental services as authorized by Section 18.

(f) "Dental assistant" means an appropriately trained person who, under the supervision of a dentist, provides dental services as authorized by Section 17.

(g) "Dental laboratory" means a person, firm or corporation which:

(i) engages in making, providing, repairing or altering dental prosthetic appliances and other artificial materials and devices which are returned to a dentist for insertion into the human oral cavity or which come in contact with its adjacent structures and tissues; and

(ii) utilizes or employs a dental technician to provide such services; and

(iii) performs such functions only for a dentist or dentists.

(h) "Supervision" means supervision of a dental hygienist or a dental assistant requiring that a dentist authorize the procedure, remain in the dental facility while the procedure is performed, and approve the work performed by the dental hygienist or dental assistant before dismissal of the patient, but does not mean that the dentist must be present at all times in the treatment room.

(i) "General supervision" means supervision of a dental hygienist requiring that the patient be a patient of record, that the dentist examine the patient in accordance with Section 18 prior to treatment by the dental hygienist, and that the dentist authorize the procedures which are being carried out by a notation in the patient's record, but not requiring that a dentist be present when the authorized procedures are being performed. The issuance of a prescription to a dental laboratory by a dentist does not constitute general supervision.

(j) "Public member" means a person who is not a health professional. For purposes of board membership, any person with a significant financial interest in a health service or profession is not a public member.

(k) "Dentistry" means the healing art which is concerned with the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning and care of conditions within the human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures, as further specified in Section 17.

(l) "Branches of dentistry" means the various specialties of dentistry which, for purposes of this Act, shall be limited to the following: endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial radiology.

(m) "Specialist" means a dentist who has received a specialty license pursuant to Section 11(b).

(n) "Dental technician" means a person who owns, operates or is employed by a dental laboratory and engages in making, providing, repairing or altering dental prosthetic appliances and other artificial materials and devices which are returned to a dentist for insertion into the human oral cavity or which come in contact with its adjacent structures and tissues.

(o) "Impaired dentist" or "impaired dental hygienist" means a dentist or dental hygienist who is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety because of a physical or mental disability as evidenced by a written determination or written consent based on clinical evidence, including deterioration through the aging process, loss of motor skills, abuse of drugs or alcohol, or a psychiatric disorder, of sufficient degree to diminish the person's ability to deliver competent patient care.

(p) "Nurse" means a registered professional nurse, a certified registered nurse anesthetist licensed as an advanced practice nurse, or a licensed practical nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act.

(q) "Patient of record" means a patient for whom the patient's most recent dentist has obtained a relevant medical and dental history and on whom the dentist has performed an examination and evaluated the condition to be treated.

(r) "Dental emergency responder" means a dentist or dental hygienist who is appropriately certified in emergency medical response, as defined by the Department of Public Health.

(s) "Mobile dental van or portable dental unit" means any self-contained or portable dental unit in which dentistry is practiced that can be moved, towed, or transported from one location to another in order to establish a location where dental services can be provided.

(Source: P.A. 97-526, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 25/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 2306)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 6. Board of Dentistry - Report By Majority Required. There is created a Board of Dentistry, to be composed of persons designated from time to time by the Secretary Director, as follows:

Eleven persons, 8 of whom have been dentists for a period of 5 years or more; 2 of whom have been dental hygienists for a period of 5 years or more, and one public member. None of the members shall be an officer, dean, assistant dean, or associate dean of a dental college or dental department of an institute of learning, nor shall any member be the program director of any dental hygiene program. A board member who holds a faculty position in a dental school or dental hygiene program shall not participate in the examination of applicants for licenses from that school or program. The dental hygienists shall not participate in the examination of applicants for licenses to practice dentistry. The public member shall not participate in the examination of applicants for licenses to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. The board shall annually elect a chairman who shall be a dentist.

Terms for all members shall be for 4 years. Partial terms over 2 years in length shall be considered as full terms. A member may be reappointed for a successive term, but no member shall serve more than 2 full terms in his or her lifetime.

The membership of the Board shall include only residents from various geographic areas of this State and shall include at least some graduates from various institutions of dental education in this State.

In making appointments to the Board the Secretary Director shall give due consideration to recommendations by organizations of the dental profession in Illinois, including the Illinois State Dental Society and Illinois Dental Hygienists Association, and shall promptly give due notice to such organizations of any vacancy in the membership of the Board. The Secretary Director may terminate the appointment of any member for cause which in the opinion of the Secretary Director reasonably justifies such termination.

A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the Board. Any action to be taken by the Board under this Act may be authorized by resolution at any regular or special meeting, and each such resolution shall take effect immediately. The Board shall meet at least quarterly. The Board may adopt all rules and regulations necessary and incident to its powers and duties under this Act.

The members of the Board shall each receive as compensation a reasonable sum as determined by the Secretary Director for each day actually engaged in the duties of the office, and all legitimate and necessary expense incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.

Members of the Board shall be immune from suit in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activities performed in good faith as members of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 93-821, eff. 7-28-04.)

(225 ILCS 25/7) (from Ch. 111, par. 2307)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 7. Recommendations by the Board of Dentistry. The Secretary may Director shall consider the recommendations of the Board in establishing guidelines for professional conduct, for the conduct of formal disciplinary proceedings brought under this Act, and for establishing guidelines for qualifications of applicants. Notice of proposed rulemaking shall be transmitted to the Board and the Department shall review the response of the Board and any recommendations made therein. The Department may, at any time, seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of this Act. The action or report in writing of a majority of the Board shall be sufficient authority upon which the Secretary Director may act.

Whenever the Secretary Director is satisfied that substantial justice has not been done either in an examination or in the revocation, suspension or refusal to issue a license, the Secretary Director may order a reexamination or rehearing.

(Source: P.A. 94-409, eff. 12-31-05.)

(225 ILCS 25/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 2309)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 9. Qualifications of Applicants for Dental Licenses. The Department shall require that each applicant for a license to practice dentistry shall:

(a) (Blank).

(b) Be at least 21 years of age and of good moral character.

(c) (1) Present satisfactory evidence of completion of dental education by graduation from a dental college or school in the United States or Canada approved by the Department. The Department shall not approve any dental college or school which does not require at least (A) 60 semester hours of collegiate credit or the equivalent in acceptable subjects from a college or university before admission, and (B) completion of at least 4 academic years of instruction or the equivalent in an approved dental college or school that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association; or

(2) Present satisfactory evidence of completion of dental education by graduation from a dental college or school outside the United States or Canada and provide satisfactory evidence that:

(A) (blank);

(B) the applicant has completed a minimum of 2 academic years of general dental clinical training at a dental college or school in the United States or Canada approved by the Department, however, an accredited advanced dental education program approved by the Department of no less than 2 years may be substituted for the 2 academic years of general dental clinical training and an applicant who was enrolled for not less than one year in an approved clinical program prior to January 1, 1993 at an Illinois dental college or school shall be required to complete only that program; and

(C) the applicant has received certification from the dean of an approved dental college or school in the United States or Canada or the program director of an approved advanced dental education program stating that the applicant has achieved the same level of scientific knowledge and clinical competence as required of all graduates of the college, school, or advanced dental education program.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent either the Department or any dental college or school from establishing higher standards than specified in this Act.

(d) (Blank).

(e) Present satisfactory evidence that the applicant has passed both parts of the National Board Dental Examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and has successfully completed an examination conducted by one of the following regional testing services: the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS), the Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc. (SRTA), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the North East Regional Board (NERB), or the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA). For purposes of this Section, successful completion shall mean that the applicant has achieved a minimum passing score as determined by the applicable regional testing service. The Secretary of the Department may suspend a regional testing service under this subsection (e) if, after proper notice and hearing, it is established that (i) the integrity of the examination has been breached so as to make future test results unreliable or (ii) the test is fundamentally deficient in testing clinical competency.

In determining professional capacity under this Section, any individual who has not been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry, has not been a dental student, or has not been engaged in a formal program of dental education during the 5 years immediately preceding the filing of an application may be required to complete such additional testing, training, or remedial education as the Board may deem necessary in order to establish the applicant's present capacity to practice dentistry with reasonable judgment, skill, and safety.

(Source: P.A. 96-14, eff. 6-19-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10; 96-1222, eff. 7-23-10; 97-526, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 25/13) (from Ch. 111, par. 2313)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 13. Qualifications of Applicants for Dental Hygienists. Every person who desires to obtain a license as a dental hygienist shall apply to the Department in writing, upon forms prepared and furnished by the Department. Each application shall contain proof of the particular qualifications required of the applicant, shall be verified by the applicant, under oath, and shall be accompanied by the required examination fee.

The Department shall require that every applicant for a license as a dental hygienist shall:

(1) (Blank).

(2) Be a graduate of high school or its equivalent.

(3) Present satisfactory evidence of having successfully completed 2 academic years of credit at a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

(4) Submit evidence that he or she holds a currently valid certification to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The Department shall adopt rules establishing criteria for certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The rules of the Department shall provide for variances only in instances where the applicant is physically disabled and therefore unable to secure such certification.

(5) (Blank).

(6) Present satisfactory evidence that the applicant has passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and has successfully completed an examination conducted by one of the following regional testing services: the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS), the Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc. (SRTA), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), or the North East Regional Board (NERB). For the purposes of this Section, successful completion shall mean that the applicant has achieved a minimum passing score as determined by the applicable regional testing service. The Secretary of the Department may suspend a regional testing service under this item (6) if, after proper notice and hearing, it is established that (i) the integrity of the examination has been breached so as to make future test results unreliable or (ii) the examination is fundamentally deficient in testing clinical competency.

(Source: P.A. 96-14, eff. 6-19-09.)

(225 ILCS 25/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 2316)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 16. Expiration, renewal and restoration of licenses.

The expiration date and renewal date for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. The renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be 3 years. A dentist or dental hygienist may renew a license during the month preceding its expiration date by paying the required fee. A dentist or dental hygienist shall provide proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by an organization that has adopted the American Heart Association's guidelines on BLS intended for health care providers at the time of renewal. Basic Life Support certification training taken as a requirement of this Section shall be counted for no more than 4 hours during each licensure period towards the continuing education hours under Section 16.1 of this Act. The Department shall provide by rule for exemptions from this requirement for a dentist or dental hygienist with a physical disability that would preclude him or her from performing BLS.

Any dentist or dental hygienist whose license has expired or whose license is on inactive status may have his license restored at any time within 5 years after the expiration thereof, upon payment of the required fee and a showing of proof of compliance with current continuing education requirements, as provided by rule.

Any person whose license has been expired for more than 5 years or who has had his license on inactive status for more than 5 years may have his license restored by making application to the Department and filing proof acceptable to the Department of taking continuing education and of his fitness to have the license restored, including sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction, and by paying the required restoration fee. A person practicing on an expired license is deemed to be practicing without a license. However, a holder of a license may renew the license within 90 days after its expiration by complying with the requirements for renewal and payment of an additional fee. A license renewal within 90 days after expiration shall be effective retroactively to the expiration date.

If a person whose license has expired or who has had his license on inactive status for more than 5 years has not maintained an active practice satisfactory to the department, the Department shall determine, by an evaluation process established by rule, his or her fitness to resume active status and may require the person to complete a period of evaluated clinical experience and may require successful completion of a practical examination.

However, any person whose license has expired while he or she was (i) on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or called into service or training by the State militia or (ii) has been engaged (1) in federal or state service active duty, or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have his or her license renewed, reinstated, or restored without paying any lapsed renewal or restoration fee, if within 2 years after termination of such service, training, or education other than by dishonorable discharge, he or she furnishes the Department with satisfactory proof that he or she has been so engaged and that his or her service, training, or education has been so terminated.

(Source: P.A. 96-617, eff. 8-24-09; 97-526, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 25/16.1) (from Ch. 111, par. 2316.1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 16.1. Continuing education. The Department shall promulgate rules of continuing education for persons licensed under this Act. In establishing rules, the Department shall require a minimum of 48 hours of study in approved courses for dentists during each 3-year licensing period and a minimum of 36 hours of study in approved courses for dental hygienists during each 3-year licensing period.

The Department shall approve only courses that are relevant to the treatment and care of patients, including, but not limited to, clinical courses in dentistry and dental hygiene and nonclinical courses such as patient management, legal and ethical responsibilities, and stress management. The Department shall allow up to 4 hours of continuing education credit hours per license renewal period for volunteer hours spent providing clinical services at, or sponsored by, a nonprofit community clinic, local or state health department, or a charity event. Courses shall not be approved in such subjects as estate and financial planning, investments, or personal health. Approved courses may include, but shall not be limited to, courses that are offered or sponsored by approved colleges, universities, and hospitals and by recognized national, State, and local dental and dental hygiene organizations.

No license shall be renewed unless the renewal application is accompanied by an affidavit indicating that the applicant has completed the required minimum number of hours of continuing education in approved courses as required by this Section. The affidavit shall not require a listing of courses. The affidavit shall be a prima facie evidence that the applicant has obtained the minimum number of required continuing education hours in approved courses. The Department shall not be obligated to conduct random audits or otherwise independently verify that an applicant has met the continuing education requirement. The Department, however, may not conduct random audits of more than 10% of the licensed dentists and dental hygienists in any one licensing cycle to verify compliance with continuing education requirements. If the Department, however, receives a complaint that a licensee has not completed the required continuing education or if the Department is investigating another alleged violation of this Act by a licensee, the Department may demand and shall be entitled to receive evidence from any licensee of completion of required continuing education courses for the most recently completed 3-year licensing period. Evidence of continuing education may include, but is not limited to, canceled checks, official verification forms of attendance, and continuing education recording forms, that demonstrate a reasonable record of attendance. The Illinois State Board of Dentistry shall determine, in accordance with rules adopted by the Department, whether a licensee or applicant has met the continuing education requirements. Any dentist who holds more than one license under this Act shall be required to complete only the minimum number of hours of continuing education required for renewal of a single license. The Department may provide exemptions from continuing education requirements. The exemptions shall include, but shall not be limited to, dentists and dental hygienists who agree not to practice within the State during the licensing period because they are retired from practice.

(Source: P.A. 97-526, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 25/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 2317)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 17. Acts Constituting the Practice of Dentistry. A person practices dentistry, within the meaning of this Act:

(1) Who represents himself or herself as being able to diagnose or diagnoses, treats, prescribes, or operates for any disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human tooth, teeth, alveolar process, gums or jaw; or

(2) Who is a manager, proprietor, operator or conductor of a business where dental operations are performed; or

(3) Who performs dental operations of any kind; or

(4) Who uses an X-Ray machine or X-Ray films for dental diagnostic purposes; or

(5) Who extracts a human tooth or teeth, or corrects or attempts to correct malpositions of the human teeth or jaws; or

(6) Who offers or undertakes, by any means or method, to diagnose, treat or remove stains, calculus, and bonding materials from human teeth or jaws; or

(7) Who uses or administers local or general anesthetics in the treatment of dental or oral diseases or in any preparation incident to a dental operation of any kind or character; or

(8) Who takes impressions of the human tooth, teeth, or jaws or performs any phase of any operation incident to the replacement of a part of a tooth, a tooth, teeth or associated tissues by means of a filling, crown, a bridge, a denture or other appliance; or

(9) Who offers to furnish, supply, construct, reproduce or repair, or who furnishes, supplies, constructs, reproduces or repairs, prosthetic dentures, bridges or other substitutes for natural teeth, to the user or prospective user thereof; or

(10) Who instructs students on clinical matters or performs any clinical operation included in the curricula of recognized dental schools and colleges; or

(11) Who takes impressions of human teeth or places his or her hands in the mouth of any person for the purpose of applying teeth whitening materials, or who takes impressions of human teeth or places his or her hands in the mouth of any person for the purpose of assisting in the application of teeth whitening materials. A person does not practice dentistry when he or she discloses to the consumer that he or she is not licensed as a dentist under this Act and (i) discusses the use of teeth whitening materials with a consumer purchasing these materials; (ii) provides instruction on the use of teeth whitening materials with a consumer purchasing these materials; or (iii) provides appropriate equipment on-site to the consumer for the consumer to self-apply teeth whitening materials.

The fact that any person engages in or performs, or offers to engage in or perform, any of the practices, acts, or operations set forth in this Section, shall be prima facie evidence that such person is engaged in the practice of dentistry.

The following practices, acts, and operations, however, are exempt from the operation of this Act:

(a) The rendering of dental relief in emergency cases in the practice of his or her profession by a physician or surgeon, licensed as such under the laws of this State, unless he or she undertakes to reproduce or reproduces lost parts of the human teeth in the mouth or to restore or replace lost or missing teeth in the mouth; or

(b) The practice of dentistry in the discharge of their official duties by dentists in any branch of the Armed Services of the United States, the United States Public Health Service, or the United States Veterans Administration; or

(c) The practice of dentistry by students in their course of study in dental schools or colleges approved by the Department, when acting under the direction and supervision of dentists acting as instructors; or

(d) The practice of dentistry by clinical instructors in the course of their teaching duties in dental schools or colleges approved by the Department:

(i) when acting under the direction and supervision of dentists, provided that such clinical instructors have instructed continuously in this State since January 1, 1986; or

(ii) when holding the rank of full professor at such approved dental school or college and possessing a current valid license or authorization to practice dentistry in another country; or

(e) The practice of dentistry by licensed dentists of other states or countries at meetings of the Illinois State Dental Society or component parts thereof, alumni meetings of dental colleges, or any other like dental organizations, while appearing as clinicians; or

(f) The use of X-Ray machines for exposing X-Ray films of dental or oral tissues by dental hygienists or dental assistants; or

(g) The performance of any dental service by a dental assistant, if such service is performed under the supervision and full responsibility of a dentist.

For purposes of this paragraph (g), "dental service" is defined to mean any intraoral procedure or act which shall be prescribed by rule or regulation of the Department. Dental service, however, shall not include:

(1) Any and all diagnosis of or prescription for treatment of disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury or physical condition of the human teeth or jaws, or adjacent structures.

(2) Removal of, or restoration of, or addition to the hard or soft tissues of the oral cavity, except for the placing, carving, and finishing of amalgam restorations by dental assistants who have had additional formal education and certification as determined by the Department.

(3) Any and all correction of malformation of teeth or of the jaws.

(4) Administration of anesthetics, except for application of topical anesthetics and monitoring of nitrous oxide. Monitoring of nitrous oxide may be performed after successful completion of a training program approved by the Department.

(5) Removal of calculus from human teeth.

(6) Taking of impressions for the fabrication of prosthetic appliances, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, or other restorative or replacement dentistry.

(7) The operative procedure of dental hygiene consisting of oral prophylactic procedures, except for coronal polishing, which may be performed by a dental assistant who has successfully completed a training program approved by the Department. Dental assistants may perform coronal polishing under the following circumstances: (i) the coronal polishing shall be limited to polishing the clinical crown of the tooth and existing restorations, supragingivally; (ii) the dental assistant performing the coronal polishing shall be limited to the use of rotary instruments using a rubber cup or brush polishing method (air polishing is not permitted); and (iii) the supervising dentist shall not supervise more than 4 dental assistants at any one time for the task of coronal polishing.

(h) The practice of dentistry by an individual who:

(i) has applied in writing to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, for a general dental license and has complied with all provisions of Section 9 of this Act, except for the passage of the examination specified in subsection (e), of Section 9, of this Act; or

(ii) has applied in writing to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, for a temporary dental license and has complied with all provisions of subsection (c), of Section 11, of this Act; and

(iii) has been accepted or appointed for specialty or residency training by a hospital situated in this State; or

(iv) has been accepted or appointed for specialty training in an approved dental program situated in this State; or

(v) has been accepted or appointed for specialty training in a dental public health agency situated in this State.

The applicant shall be permitted to practice dentistry for a period of 3 months from the starting date of the program, unless authorized in writing by the Department to continue such practice for a period specified in writing by the Department.

The applicant shall only be entitled to perform such acts as may be prescribed by and incidental to his or her their program of residency or specialty training and shall not otherwise engage in the practice of dentistry in this State.

The authority to practice shall terminate immediately upon:

(1) the decision of the Department that the applicant has failed the examination; or

(2) denial of licensure by the Department; or

(3) withdrawal of the application.

(Source: P.A. 96-617, eff. 8-24-09; 97-526, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 25/19) (from Ch. 111, par. 2319)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 19. Licensing Applicants from other States. Any person who has been lawfully licensed to practice dentistry, including the practice of a licensed dental specialty, or dental hygiene in another state or territory which has and maintains a standard for the practice of dentistry, a dental specialty, or dental hygiene at least equal to that now maintained in this State, or if the requirements for licensure in such state or territory in which the applicant was licensed were, at the date of his or her licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State, and who has been lawfully engaged in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding the filing of his or her application to practice in this State and who shall deposit with the Department a duly attested certificate from the Board of the state or territory in which he or she is licensed, certifying to the fact of his or her licensing and of his or her being a person of good moral character may, upon payment of the required fee, be granted a license to practice dentistry, a dental specialty, or dental hygiene in this State, as the case may be.

For the purposes of this Section, "substantially equivalent" means that the applicant has presented evidence of completion and graduation from an American Dental Association accredited dental college or school in the United States or Canada, presented evidence that the applicant has passed both parts of the National Board Dental Examination, and successfully completed an examination conducted by a regional testing service. In computing 3 of the immediately preceding 5 years of practice in another state or territory, any person who left the practice of dentistry to enter the military service and who practiced dentistry while in the military service may count as a part of such period the time spent by him or her in such service.

Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 97-526, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 25/22) (from Ch. 111, par. 2322)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 22. Returned checks; penalties. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. The fines imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under this Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license. The Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days of the notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Department shall automatically terminate the license or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license, he or she shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license to pay all expenses of processing this application. The Secretary Director may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary Director finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: P.A. 92-146, eff. 1-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 25/23) (from Ch. 111, par. 2323)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 23. Refusal, revocation or suspension of dental licenses. The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, including imposing fines not to exceed $10,000 per violation, with regard to any license for any one or any combination of the following causes:

1. Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or in procuring a the license under this Act, or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.

2. Inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety as a result of habitual or excessive use Habitual intoxication or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug the use of drugs.

3. Willful or repeated violations of the rules of the Department of Public Health or Department of Nuclear Safety.

4. Acceptance of a fee for service as a witness, without the knowledge of the court, in addition to the fee allowed by the court.

5. Division of fees or agreeing to split or divide the fees received for dental services with any person for bringing or referring a patient, except in regard to referral services as provided for under Section 45, or assisting in the care or treatment of a patient, without the knowledge of the patient or his or her legal representative. Nothing in this item 5 affects any bona fide independent contractor or employment arrangements among health care professionals, health facilities, health care providers, or other entities, except as otherwise prohibited by law. Any employment arrangements may include provisions for compensation, health insurance, pension, or other employment benefits for the provision of services within the scope of the licensee's practice under this Act. Nothing in this item 5 shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

6. Employing, procuring, inducing, aiding or abetting a person not licensed or registered as a dentist to engage in the practice of dentistry. The person practiced upon is not an accomplice, employer, procurer, inducer, aider, or abetter within the meaning of this Act.

7. Making any misrepresentations or false promises, directly or indirectly, to influence, persuade or induce dental patronage.

8. Professional connection or association with or lending his or her name to another for the illegal practice of dentistry by another, or professional connection or association with any person, firm or corporation holding himself, herself, themselves, or itself out in any manner contrary to this Act.

9. Obtaining or seeking to obtain practice, money, or any other things of value by false or fraudulent representations, but not limited to, engaging in such fraudulent practice to defraud the medical assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) under the Illinois Public Aid Code.

10. Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name other than his or her own.

11. Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.

12. Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing for any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that (i) is a felony under the laws of this State or (ii) is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of dentistry in this or another State of any crime which is a felony under the laws of this State or conviction of a felony in a federal court, conviction of a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or conviction of any crime which is directly related to the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene.

13. Permitting a dental hygienist, dental assistant or other person under his or her supervision to perform any operation not authorized by this Act.

14. Permitting more than 4 dental hygienists to be employed under his or her supervision at any one time.

15. A violation of any provision of this Act or any rules promulgated under this Act.

16. Taking impressions for or using the services of any person, firm or corporation violating this Act.

17. Violating any provision of Section 45 relating to advertising.

18. Discipline by another U.S. jurisdiction or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth within this Act.

19. Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

20. Gross negligence in practice under this Act or repeated malpractice resulting in injury or death of a patient.

21. The use or prescription for use of narcotics or controlled substances or designated products as listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, in any way other than for therapeutic purposes.

22. Willfully making or filing false records or reports in his or her practice as a dentist, including, but not limited to, false records to support claims against the dental assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid).

23. Professional incompetence as manifested by poor standards of care.

24. Physical or mental illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skills which results in a dentist's inability to practice dentistry with reasonable judgment, skill or safety. In enforcing this paragraph, the Department may compel a person licensed to practice under this Act to submit to a mental or physical examination pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 23b.

25. Gross or repeated irregularities Repeated irregularities in billing a third party for services rendered to a patient. For purposes of this paragraph 25, "irregularities in billing" shall include:

(a) Reporting excessive charges for the purpose of obtaining a total payment in excess of that usually received by the dentist for the services rendered.

(b) Reporting charges for services not rendered.

(c) Incorrectly reporting services rendered for the purpose of obtaining payment not earned.

26. Continuing the active practice of dentistry while knowingly having any infectious, communicable, or contagious disease proscribed by rule or regulation of the Department.

27. Being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused a child to be an abused child or neglected child as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

28. Violating the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act.

29. Abandonment of a patient.

30. Mental incompetency as declared by a court of competent jurisdiction.

31. A finding by the Department that the licensee, after having his or her license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

32. Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.

33. Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in response to a written request by the Department in the course of an investigation.

34. Immoral conduct in the commission of any act, including, but not limited to, commission of an act of sexual misconduct related to the licensee's practice.

35. Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act.

36. A pattern of practice or other behavior that demonstrates incapacity or incompetence to practice under this Act.

37. Failure to establish and maintain records of patient care and treatment as required under this Act.

38. Failure to provide copies of dental records as required by law.

All proceedings to suspend, revoke, place on probationary status, or take any other disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, with regard to a license on any of the foregoing grounds, must be commenced within 3 years after receipt by the Department of a complaint alleging the commission of or notice of the conviction order for any of the acts described herein. Except for fraud in procuring a license, no action shall be commenced more than 5 years after the date of the incident or act alleged to have violated this Section. The time during which the holder of the license was outside the State of Illinois shall not be included within any period of time limiting the commencement of disciplinary action by the Department.

The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied.

(Source: P.A. 96-1482, eff. 11-29-10; 97-102, eff. 7-14-11; revised 9-15-11.)

(225 ILCS 25/23a) (from Ch. 111, par. 2323a)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 23a. The Secretary Director of the Department may, upon receipt of a written communication from the Secretary of Human Services or the Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) or Department of Public Health, that continuation of practice of a person licensed under this Act constitutes an immediate danger to the public, immediately suspend the license of such person without a hearing. In instances in which the Secretary Director immediately suspends a license under this Section, a hearing upon such person's license must be convened by the Board within 15 days after such suspension and completed without appreciable delay, such hearing held to determine whether to recommend to the Secretary Director that the person's license be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status or reinstated, or such person be subject to other disciplinary action. In such hearing, the written communication and any other evidence submitted therewith may be introduced as evidence against such person; provided however, the person, or his or her counsel, shall have the opportunity to discredit or impeach such evidence and submit evidence rebutting same.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(225 ILCS 25/23b)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 23b. Requirement for mental and physical examinations under certain conditions.

(a) In enforcing paragraph 24 of Section 23 of this Act, the Department may compel any individual who is a person licensed to practice under this Act or who has applied for licensure under this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination and evaluation, or both, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination and evaluation, or both. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination and evaluation pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide to the Department any and all records, including business records, that relate to the examination and evaluation, including any supplemental testing performed. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning the mental or physical examination and evaluation of the licensee or applicant, including testimony concerning any supplemental testing or documents relating to the examination and evaluation. No information, report, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination and evaluation shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the licensee or applicant ordered to undergo an examination and evaluation for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation. The examining physician shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches specifically designated by the Department. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of this examination. Failure of an individual to submit to a mental or physical examination and evaluation, or both, when directed, shall result in the automatic be grounds for suspension of his or her license, without hearing, until the individual submits to the examination if the Department finds, after notice and hearing, that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause.

(b) If the Department finds an individual unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in paragraph 24 of Section 23, the Department may require that individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice, or in lieu of care, counseling, or treatment, the Department may file a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. An individual whose license was granted, continued, reinstated, renewed, disciplined, or supervised subject to such terms, conditions, or restrictions, and who fails to comply with such terms, conditions, or restrictions, shall be referred to the Secretary Director for a determination as to whether the individual shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 91-689, eff. 1-1-01.)

(225 ILCS 25/24) (from Ch. 111, par. 2324)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 24. Refusal, Suspension or Revocation of Dental Hygienist License. The Department may refuse to issue or renew or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, including imposing fines not to exceed $10,000 $2,500 per violation, with regard to any dental hygienist license for any one or any combination of the following causes:

1. Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or in procuring a license under this Act, or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.

2. Performing any operation not authorized by this Act.

3. Practicing dental hygiene other than under the supervision of a licensed dentist as provided by this Act.

4. The wilful violation of, or the wilful procuring of, or knowingly assisting in the violation of, any Act which is now or which hereafter may be in force in this State relating to the use of habit-forming drugs.

5. The obtaining of, or an attempt to obtain a license, or practice in the profession, or money, or any other thing of value by fraudulent representation.

6. Gross negligence in performing the operative procedure of dental hygiene.

7. Active practice of dental hygiene while knowingly having any infectious, communicable, or contagious disease proscribed by rule or regulation of the Department.

8. Inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety as a result of habitual or excessive use Habitual intoxication or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug the use of habit-forming drugs.

9. Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that (i) is a felony or (ii) is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of dental hygiene. in this or another state of any crime which is a felony under the laws of this State or conviction of a felony in a federal court, if the Department determines, after investigation, that such person has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust.

10. Aiding or abetting the unlicensed practice of dentistry or dental hygiene.

11. Discipline by another U.S. jurisdiction or a foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Act.

12. Violating the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act.

13. Violating the prohibitions of Section 38.1 of this Act.

14. Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.

15. A finding by the Department that the licensee, after having his or her license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

16. Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.

17. Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in response to a written request by the Department in the course of an investigation.

18. Immoral conduct in the commission of any act, including, but not limited to, commission of an act of sexual misconduct related to the licensee's practice.

19. Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act.

20. Violations of this Act or of the rules promulgated under this Act.

21. Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name.

The provisions of this Act relating to proceedings for the suspension and revocation of a license to practice dentistry shall apply to proceedings for the suspension or revocation of a license as a dental hygienist.

(Source: P.A. 97-102, eff. 7-14-11.)

(225 ILCS 25/25) (from Ch. 111, par. 2325)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 25. Notice of hearing; investigations and informal conferences.

(a) Upon the motion of either the Department or the Board or upon the verified complaint in writing of any person setting forth facts which if proven would constitute grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of license under this Act, the Board shall investigate the actions of any person, hereinafter called the respondent, who holds or represents that he or she holds a license. All such motions or complaints shall be brought to the Board.

(b) Prior to taking an in-person statement from a dentist or dental hygienist who is the subject of a complaint, the investigator shall inform the dentist or the dental hygienist in writing:

(1) that the dentist or dental hygienist is the subject of a complaint;

(2) that the dentist or dental hygienist need not immediately proceed with the interview and may seek appropriate consultation prior to consenting to the interview; and

(3) that failure of the dentist or dental hygienist to proceed with the interview shall not prohibit the Department from conducting a visual inspection of the facility.

A Department investigator's failure to comply with this subsection may not be the sole ground for dismissal of any order of the Department filed upon a finding of a violation or for dismissal of a pending investigation.

(c) If the Department concludes on the basis of a complaint or its initial investigation that there is a possible violation of the Act, the Department may:

(1) schedule a hearing pursuant to this Act; or

(2) request in writing that the dentist or dental hygienist being investigated attend an informal conference with representatives of the Department.

The request for an informal conference shall contain the nature of the alleged actions or inactions that constitute the possible violations.

A dentist or dental hygienist shall be allowed to have legal counsel at the informal conference. If the informal conference results in a consent order between the accused dentist or dental hygienist and the Department, the consent order must be approved by the Secretary Director. However, if the consent order would result in a fine exceeding $10,000 $5,000 or the suspension or revocation of the dentist or dental hygienist license, the consent order must be approved by the Board and the Secretary Director. Participation in the informal conference by a dentist, a dental hygienist, or the Department and any admissions or stipulations made by a dentist, a dental hygienist, or the Department at the informal conference, including any agreements in a consent order that is subsequently disapproved by either the Board or the Secretary Director, shall not be used against the dentist, dental hygienist, or Department at any subsequent hearing and shall not become a part of the record of the hearing.

(d) The Secretary Director shall, before suspending, revoking, placing on probationary status, or taking any other disciplinary action as the Secretary Director may deem proper with regard to any license, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify the respondent in writing of any charges made and the time and place for a hearing of the charges before the Board, direct him or her to file his or her written answer thereto to the Board under oath within 20 days after the service on him or her of such notice and inform him or her that if he or she fails to file such answer default will be taken against him or her and his or her license may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or other disciplinary action may be taken with regard thereto, including limiting the scope, nature or extent of his or her practice, as the Secretary Director may deem proper.

(e) Such written notice and any notice in such proceedings thereafter may be served by delivery personally to the respondent, or by registered or certified mail to the address last theretofore specified by the respondent in his or her last notification to the Secretary Director.

(Source: P.A. 94-409, eff. 12-31-05.)

(225 ILCS 25/26) (from Ch. 111, par. 2326)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 26. Disciplinary actions.

(a) In case the respondent, after receiving notice, fails to file an answer, his or her license may, in the discretion of the Secretary Director, having first received the recommendation of the Board, be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or the Secretary Director may take whatever disciplinary action he or she may deem proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for such action under this Act.

(b) The Secretary Director may temporarily suspend the license of a dentist or dental hygienist without a hearing, simultaneous to the institution of proceedings for a hearing under this Act, if the Secretary Director finds that evidence in his or her possession indicates that a dentist's or dental hygienist's continuation in practice would constitute an immediate danger to the public. In the event that the Secretary Director temporarily suspends the license of a dentist or a dental hygienist without a hearing, a hearing by the Board must be held within 15 days after such suspension has occurred.

(c) The entry of a judgment by any circuit court establishing that any person holding a license under this Act is a person subject to involuntary admission under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code shall operate as a suspension of that license. That person may resume his or her practice only upon a finding by the Board that he or she has been determined to be no longer subject to involuntary admission by the court and upon the Board's recommendation to the Secretary Director that he or she be permitted to resume his or her practice.

(Source: P.A. 89-80, eff. 6-30-95; 89-116, eff. 7-7-95.)

(225 ILCS 25/27) (from Ch. 111, par. 2327)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 27. Hearings. At the time and place fixed in the notice under Section 25, the Board shall proceed to hear the charges and both the respondent and the complainant shall be accorded ample opportunity to present in person, or by counsel, such statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to any defense thereto. The Board may continue such hearing from time to time. If the Board is not sitting at the time and place fixed in the notice or at the time and place to which the hearing has been continued, the Department shall continue such hearing for a period not to exceed 30 days.

The Board and Department shall have power to subpoena and bring before the Board any person in this State and to take testimony either orally or by deposition, or both, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as is prescribed by law for judicial procedure in civil cases.

The Secretary, the designated hearing officer, Director and any member of the Board shall have power to administer oaths at any hearing which the Department or Board is authorized by law to conduct.

(Source: P.A. 89-80, eff. 6-30-95; 89-116, eff. 7-7-95.)

(225 ILCS 25/29) (from Ch. 111, par. 2329)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 29. Recommendations for disciplinary action - Action by Secretary Director. The Board may advise the Secretary Director that probation be granted or that other disciplinary action, including the limitation of the scope, nature or extent of a person's practice, be taken, as it deems proper. If disciplinary action other than suspension or revocation is taken, the Board may advise that the Secretary Director impose reasonable limitations and requirements upon the respondent to insure compliance with the terms of the probation or other disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, regular reporting by the respondent to the Secretary Director of his or her actions, or the respondent's placing himself or herself under the care of a qualified physician for treatment or limiting his or her practice in such manner as the Secretary Director may require.

The Board shall present to the Secretary Director a written report of its findings and recommendations. A copy of such report shall be served upon the respondent, either personally or by registered or certified mail. Within 20 days after such service, the respondent may present to the Department his or her motion in writing for a rehearing, specifying the particular ground therefor. If the respondent orders and pays for a transcript of the record, the time elapsing thereafter and before such transcript is ready for delivery to him or her shall not be counted as part of such 20 days.

At the expiration of the time allowed for filing a motion for rehearing the Secretary Director may take the action recommended by the Board. Upon suspension, revocation, placement on probationary status, or the taking of any other disciplinary action, including the limiting of the scope, nature, or extent of one's practice, deemed proper by the Secretary Director, with regard to the license, the respondent shall surrender his or her license to the Department, if ordered to do so by the Department, and upon his or her failure or refusal to do so, the Department may seize the same.

In all instances under this Act in which the Board has rendered a recommendation to the Secretary Director with respect to a particular person, the Secretary Director shall, to the extent that he or she disagrees with or takes action contrary to the recommendation of the Board, file with the Board and the Secretary of State his or her specific written reasons of disagreement. Such reasons shall be filed within 30 days after the Secretary Director has taken the contrary position.

Each order of revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action shall contain a brief, concise statement of the ground or grounds upon which the Department's action is based, as well as the specific terms and conditions of such action. The original of this document shall be retained as a permanent record by the Board and the Department. In those instances where an order of revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action has been rendered by virtue of a dentist's or dental hygienist's physical illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skill which results in an inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety, the Department shall permit only this document and the record of the hearing incident thereto to be observed, inspected, viewed, or copied pursuant to court order.

(Source: P.A. 89-80, eff. 6-30-95; 89-116, eff. 7-7-95.)

(225 ILCS 25/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 2330)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 30. Appointment of a Hearing Officer. The Secretary Director shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer if any action for refusal to issue, renew or discipline of a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the Board and the Secretary Director. The Board shall have 60 days from receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Secretary Director. If the Board fails to present its report within the 60 day period, the Secretary Director shall issue an order based on the report of the hearing officer. If the Secretary Director determines that the Board's report is contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence, he or she may issue an order in contravention of the Board's report.

(Source: P.A. 89-80, eff. 6-30-95; 89-116, eff. 7-7-95.)

(225 ILCS 25/31) (from Ch. 111, par. 2331)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 31. Restoration of license from discipline. At any time after the successful completion of a term of indefinite probation, suspension, or revocation of a license, placement on probationary status, or the taking of any other disciplinary action, with regard to any license, the Department may restore the license to the licensee, unless after an investigation and a hearing, the Secretary determines that restoration is not in the public interest. No person or entity whose license, certificate, or authority has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license, certification, or authority until such time as provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. it to the respondent, or take any other action to reinstate the license to good standing, without examination, upon the written recommendation of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 89-80, eff. 6-30-95; 89-116, eff. 7-7-95.)

(225 ILCS 25/32) (from Ch. 111, par. 2332)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 32. Administrative Review Law; application. All final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Review Law, and the rules adopted pursuant thereto. The term "administrative decision" is defined as in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides, but if the party is not a resident of this State, the venue shall be in Sangamon County.

The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court or file any answer in court or otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless and until there is filed in the court with the complaint a receipt from the Department has received from the plaintiff payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be determined by the Department acknowledging payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be computed at the rate of 20 cents per page of the record. Exhibits shall be certified without cost. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action. During the pendency and hearing of any and all judicial proceedings incident to a disciplinary action any sanctions imposed upon the respondent by the Department because of acts or omissions related to the delivery of direct patient care as specified in the Department's final administrative decision, shall as a matter of public policy remain in full force and effect in order to protect the public pending final resolution of any of the proceedings.

(Source: P.A. 88-184; 89-80, eff. 6-30-95; 89-116, eff. 7-7-95.)

(225 ILCS 25/33) (from Ch. 111, par. 2333)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 33. Revocation orders. An order of revocation, suspension, placement on probationary status, or other formal disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Department and purporting to be signed by the Secretary Director of the Department, is prima facie proof that:

(1) such signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary Director;

(2) the Secretary Director is duly appointed and qualified; and

(3) the Board and the members thereof are qualified.

Such proof may be rebutted.

(Source: P.A. 84-365.)

(225 ILCS 25/37) (from Ch. 111, par. 2337)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 37. Unlicensed practice; injunctions. The practice of dentistry by any person not holding a valid and current license under this Act is declared to be inimical to the public welfare, to constitute a public nuisance, and to cause irreparable harm to the public welfare.

A person is considered to practice dentistry who:

(1) employs a dentist, dental hygienist, or other entity which can provide dental services under this Act;

(2) directs or controls the use of any dental equipment or material while such equipment or material is being used for the provision of dental services, provided that this provision shall not be construed to prohibit a person from obtaining professional advice or assistance in obtaining or from leasing the equipment or material, provided the advice, assistance, or lease does not restrict or interfere with the custody, control, or use of the equipment or material by the person;

(3) directs, controls or interferes with a dentist's or dental hygienist's clinical judgment; or

(4) exercises direction or control, by written contract, license, or otherwise, over a dentist, dental hygienist, or other entity which can provide dental services under this Act in the selection of a course of treatment; limitation of patient referrals; content of patient records; policies and decisions relating to refunds (if the refund payment would be reportable under federal law to the National Practitioner Data Bank) and warranties and the clinical content of advertising; and final decisions relating to employment of dental assistants and dental hygienists. Nothing in this Act shall, however, be construed as prohibiting the seeking or giving of advice or assistance with respect to these matters.

The purpose of this Section is to prevent a non-dentist from influencing or otherwise interfering with the exercise of independent professional judgment by a dentist, dental hygienist, or other entity which can provide dental services under this Act. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit insurers and managed care plans from operating pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code under which the entities are licensed.

The Secretary Director, the Attorney General, the State's attorney of any county in the State, or any person may maintain an action in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, and may apply for injunctive relief in any circuit court to enjoin such person from engaging in such practice; and upon the filing of a verified petition in such court, the court if satisfied by affidavit, or otherwise, that such person has been engaged in such practice without a valid and current license so to do, may enter a temporary restraining order without notice or bond, enjoining the defendant from such further practice. Only the showing of non-licensure, by affidavit or otherwise, is necessary in order for a temporary injunction to issue. A copy of the verified complaint shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted as in other civil cases except as modified by this Section. If it is established that the defendant has been, or is engaged in such unlawful practice, the court may enter an order or judgment perpetually enjoining the defendant from further such practice. In all proceedings hereunder the court, in its discretion, may apportion the costs among the parties interested in the action, including cost of filing the complaint, service of process, witness fees and expenses, court reporter charges and reasonable attorneys' fees. In case of violation of any injunctive order entered under the provisions of this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. Such injunction proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in this Act.

This Section does not apply to an executor, administrator, guardian, or authorized representative contracting with another dentist or dentists to continue the operations of a deceased or incapacitated dentist's practice under Section 38.2 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 94-1028, eff. 1-1-07.)

(225 ILCS 25/38) (from Ch. 111, par. 2338)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 38. Penalty of Unlawful Practice - Second and Subsequent Offenses. Any person who practices or offers to practice dentistry in this State without being licensed for that purpose, or whose license has been suspended or revoked or is inactive or non-renewed, or who violates any of the provisions of this Act, for which no specific penalty has been provided herein, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Any person who has been previously convicted under any of the provisions of this Act and who subsequently violates any of the provisions of this Act is guilty of a Class 4 felony. In addition, whenever any person is punished as a subsequent offender under this Section, the Secretary Director shall proceed to obtain a permanent injunction against such person under Section 37 of this Act. All fines collected under this Section shall be deposited in the Professional Regulation Evidence Fund.

(Source: P.A. 86-685.)

(225 ILCS 25/45) (from Ch. 111, par. 2345)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)

Sec. 45. Advertising. The purpose of this Section is to authorize and regulate the advertisement by dentists of information which is intended to provide the public with a sufficient basis upon which to make an informed selection of dentists while protecting the public from false or misleading advertisements which would detract from the fair and rational selection process.

Any dentist may advertise the availability of dental services in the public media or on the premises where such dental services are rendered. Such advertising shall be limited to the following information:

(a) The dental services available;

(b) Publication of the dentist's name, title, office hours, address and telephone;

(c) Information pertaining to his or her area of specialization, including appropriate board certification or limitation of professional practice;

(d) Information on usual and customary fees for routine dental services offered, which information shall include notification that fees may be adjusted due to complications or unforeseen circumstances;

(e) Announcement of the opening of, change of, absence from, or return to business;

(f) Announcement of additions to or deletions from professional dental staff;

(g) The issuance of business or appointment cards;

(h) Other information about the dentist, dentist's practice or the types of dental services which the dentist offers to perform which a reasonable person might regard as relevant in determining whether to seek the dentist's services. However, any advertisement which announces the availability of endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or oral and maxillofacial radiology by a general dentist or by a licensed specialist who is not licensed in that specialty shall include a disclaimer stating that the dentist does not hold a license in that specialty.

It is unlawful for any dentist licensed under this Act to do any of the following:

(1) Use testimonials or claims of superior quality of care to entice the public.

(2) Advertise in any way to practice dentistry without causing pain.

(3) Pay a fee to any dental referral service or other third party who advertises a dental referral service, unless all advertising of the dental referral service makes it clear that dentists are paying a fee for that referral service.

(4) Advertise or offer gifts as an inducement to secure dental patronage. Dentists may advertise or offer free examinations or free dental services; it shall be unlawful, however, for any dentist to charge a fee to any new patient for any dental service provided at the time that such free examination or free dental services are provided.

(5) Use the term "sedation dentistry" or similar terms in advertising unless the advertising dentist holds a valid and current permit issued by the Department to administer either general anesthesia, deep sedation, or conscious sedation as required under Section 8.1 of this Act.

This Act does not authorize the advertising of dental services when the offeror of such services is not a dentist. Nor shall the dentist use statements which contain false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading material or guarantees of success, statements which play upon the vanity or fears of the public, or statements which promote or produce unfair competition.

A dentist shall be required to keep a copy of all advertisements for a period of 3 years. All advertisements in the dentist's possession shall indicate the accurate date and place of publication.

The Department shall adopt rules to carry out the intent of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 95-399, eff. 1-1-08.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.