Title of Regulation: 18VAC60-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene (amending 18VAC60-20-170).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Sandra Reen, Executive Director, Board of Dentistry, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4538, FAX (804) 527-4428, or email sandra.reen@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends the Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene to include unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information obtained from the Prescription Monitoring Program as grounds for disciplinary action. Such a provision is specified in § 54.1-2525 of the Code of Virginia but not specifically referenced in board regulations describing unprofessional conduct.

Part V
Unprofessional Conduct

18VAC60-20-170. Acts constituting unprofessional conduct.

The following practices shall constitute unprofessional conduct within the meaning of § 54.1-2706 of the Code of Virginia:

1. Fraudulently obtaining, attempting to obtain or cooperating with others in obtaining payment for services;

2. Performing services for a patient under terms or conditions which that are unconscionable. The board shall not consider terms unconscionable where there has been a full and fair disclosure of all terms and where the patient entered the agreement without fraud or duress;

3. Misrepresenting to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques the licensee uses or intends to use;

4. Committing any act in violation of the Code of Virginia reasonably related to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene;

5. Delegating any service or operation which that requires the professional competence of a dentist or dental hygienist to any person who is not a dentist or dental hygienist as authorized by this chapter;

6. Certifying completion of a dental procedure that has not actually been completed;

7. Knowingly or negligently violating any applicable statute or regulation governing ionizing radiation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including, but not limited to, current regulations promulgated by the Virginia Department of Health; and

8. Permitting or condoning the placement or exposure of dental x-ray film by an unlicensed person, except where the unlicensed person has complied with 18VAC60-20-195.; and

9. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program.