South Carolina § 40-15-135 - Certain dental services to be performed only by licensed dentist.

§ 40-15-135. Certain dental services to be performed only by licensed dentist.

(A) Only a dentist licensed pursuant to this chapter may control the use of dental equipment or material while the equipment or material is being used to provide dental services in a dental office, whether those services are provided by a dentist, a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, or a dental auxiliary.

(B) No person other than a dentist, licensed pursuant to this chapter may exercise control over:

(1) the selection of a course of treatment of a patient, the procedures or materials to be used as part of the course of treatment, or the manner in which the course of treatment is carried out by the licensee;

(2) the patient records of a dentist. However, if the dentist is employed by a corporation or another dentist, the corporation or employing dentist is responsible for keeping the records for a period of five years and the practicing dentist shall have access to those records;

(3) nothing in this section precludes an insurer or health maintenance organization from requiring pre-certification or authorization in regard to reimbursement for courses of treatment performed.

(C) A lease agreement, rental agreement, or other arrangement for the provision of dental equipment or dental materials in a dental office entered into by a licensed dentist with a person who is not a licensed dentist shall contain a provision whereby the dentist expressly maintains complete care, custody, and control of the equipment or material.

(D) This section does not, in any manner, affect the operation of an accredited teaching institution, a nonprofit dental clinic operated solely for the benefit of poor and indigent persons, or a state or federal operating clinic.

HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 267, SECTION 1.