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Committee hears bill to let professional activity count toward dental continuing-education credits
Summary
Representative Borton urged the House Health Policy Committee to approve House Bill 49 10, which would let approved activities with recognized organizations count toward continuing-education credit for dental professionals who are dues-paying members in good standing.
Representative Borton urged the Michigan House Health Policy Committee to approve House Bill 49 10, which would let certain professionally affiliated activities count toward continuing-education requirements for dental professionals.
The bill would not reduce the total number of CE hours required for license renewal but would permit some portion of required hours to be met through participation in approved activities — including attendance at meetings, committee service or legislative work — provided the practitioner is a dues-paying member in good standing and the member organization is approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in consultation with the licensing board.
"This legislation simply will allow dental professionals who belong to a recognized organization, like the Michigan Dental Association, [to] count approved activities, such as meetings, committee service, or legislative work towards continuing education credits for license renewal," Representative Borton said.
Supporters told the committee the proposal aims to reduce paperwork and administrative burdens that can discourage professionals from maintaining licensure and to recognize non‑traditional professional engagement as valid development. The bill text, as described by the sponsor, requires proof of participation and dues-paid status as conditions for credit and leaves approval of organizations to LARA and the board.
During questioning, Representative Wharton asked whether the bill includes a cap on the number of CE hours that can be earned through these alternative methods. Representative Borton replied, "My legislation doesn't have a cap to it. We're leaving that up to the professional organizations to determine what that cap should be."
Committee members also asked about fiscal and implementation details. Representative Borton said he did not have an estimate of the fiscal impact or the number of out-of-state practitioners who might be affected and offered to provide additional information to the committee.
No vote on HB 49 10 was taken at the hearing. Several committee members indicated interest in follow-up information on caps, program administration and any fiscal implications before advancing the measure.
