Alabama § 34-9-43 - Powers and Duties Generally.

§ 34-9-43. Powers and Duties Generally.

(a) The board shall exercise, subject to this chapter, the following powers and duties:

(1) Adopt rules for its government as deemed necessary and proper.

(2) Adopt rules for qualification and licensing of dentists and dental hygienists.

(3) Conduct or participate in examinations to ascertain the qualification and fitness of applicants for licenses as dentists and dental hygienists.

(4) Adopt rules regarding sanitation.

(5) Adopt rules by which dental schools and colleges are approved, and adopt rules by which training, educational, technical, vocational, or any other institution that provides instruction for dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, or any other paradental personnel are approved.

(6) Grant or deny licenses, license certificates, teaching permits, and annual registration certificates in conformity with this chapter.

(7) Conduct hearings or proceedings to impose the penalties specified in Section 34-9-18.

(8)a. Employ necessary individuals to assist in performing its duties in the administration and enforcement of this chapter, and to provide offices, furniture, fixtures, supplies, printing, or secretarial service and expend necessary funds.

b. Employ an attorney or attorneys, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, to advise and assist in the carrying out and enforcing this chapter. Provided, however, that if the board contracts with an outside attorney to be general counsel to the board, that attorney or any member of a law firm with which he or she is associated shall not function as the board’s prosecutor at disciplinary hearings.

(9)a. Investigate alleged violations of this chapter and institute or have instituted before the board or the proper court appropriate proceedings regarding the violation.

b. Authorize and employ investigators who comply with the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Act to exercise the powers of a peace officer in investigating alleged violations of the drug or controlled substances laws by individuals licensed pursuant to this chapter, including the powers of arrest and inspection of documents.

(10) Adopt rules to implement this chapter.

(11) Publish, on a quarterly basis, all minutes, except minutes of executive sessions, financial reports, schedules of meetings, including anticipated executive sessions, and other pertinent information on the board’s website no later than 90 days following the date of occurrence. In addition, publish or post annually the rules by the board, a copy of the Dental Practice Act, and a list of all individuals licensed to practice under this chapter.

(12) Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, or events that may improve the function and efficiency of the board or improve the ability of the board to enforce and administer this chapter.

(b) The board, in exercising its powers and duties, shall adhere to guidelines and proceedings of the State Ethics Commission as provided in Chapter 25 of Title 36. The board may adopt rules for the purpose of establishing additional ethical guidelines.