THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE BILL

INTRODUCED BY VANCE, M. WHITE, RAFFERTY, FONTANA, EICHELBERGER, ALLOWAY AND FERLO, FEBRUARY 7, 2011

REFERRED TO BANKING AND INSURANCE, FEBRUARY 7, 2011  

AN ACT

Amending the act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.216, No.76), entitled "An

act relating to dentistry; defining and providing for the

licensing and registration of dentists and dental hygienists,

and for the revocation and suspension of such licenses and

registrations, subject to appeal, and for their

reinstatement; defining the powers and duties of the State

Dental Council and Examining Board and the Department of

Public Instruction; providing penalties; and repealing

existing laws," providing for professional liability

insurance. 

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  The act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.216, No.76), known as

The Dental Law, is amended by adding a section to read:

Section 3.2.  Professional Liability Insurance.--(a)  A

person licensed to engage in the practice of dentistry shall:

(1)  purchase medical professional liability insurance in the

minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim and

$3,000,000 per annual aggregate; or

(2)  provide self-insurance.

(b)  An applicant for licensure or license renewal shall

provide proof of professional liability insurance to the State

Board of Dentistry in accordance with subsection (a) within

sixty (60) days of the policy being issued.

(c)  If an applicant for licensure or license renewal fails

to submit proof of insurance or self-insurance required under

subsection (a), the applicant's license shall be refused,

revoked or suspended by the board.

Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.