Governor Signs Aanestad Patient Safety Bill Into Law - SB 252 Protects Dental Patients From Sexual Predators, California

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 26 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took action to sign a measure that will ensure the safety of all dental patients in California. SB 252 , authored by Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley), will require that registered sex offenders be prohibited from licensure by the Dental Board of California and will also require the Dental Board to revoke an existing license for an individual who is required to register as a sex offender.

"This Governor believes in patient safety for all Californians, and I'm pleased with his quick action on my legislation," said Senator Aanestad. "Patients have a right to be protected from predators in California and the Governor's signature on SB 252 provides them with the safety they deserve, while protecting the integrity of the dental industry."

Senator Aanestad introduced SB 252 earlier this year following high profile cases where patients had been victimized by physicians who were unable to respect appropriate boundaries and limit their behavior. Two of the cases involved physicians who were actually convicted of sexual offenses, but were still allowed to resume their medical practices.

One of the most recent cases involves a dentist, who was arrested and then convicted of sexual battery in September, 2005. He is currently facing criminal proceedings for sexual battery that involves several more victims. If SB 252 had been in effect, the Dental Board would have been able to take action to revoke his license following the first conviction for sexual battery, which would have prevented more patient victims.

Senator Aanestad, a licensed Oral Surgeon who owned and operated his own private practice in Grass Valley for several decades, says California patients should be able to fully trust medical professionals.

SB 252 will require the Dental Board of California to deny an application for licensure or renewal, or revoke the license, of an individual who is required to register as a sex offender. The Aanestad measure gives the Dental Board a mechanism to better protect the public by providing much faster legal action against individuals who have been convicted of sexual crimes.

"Registered sex offenders should not be providing dental services for adults or children under any circumstance," said Senator Aanestad. "Consumer protection is the most important service that the Dental Board can provide, and they need the tools that will allow them to respond quickly when a patient's health or safety is put at risk."

California State Senate

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