65-1424. Definitions; arrangement with unlicensed proprietor; limitation, suspension or revocation of license; selling or closing dental practice of deceased or substantially disabled dentist; rules and regulations. (a) As used in this act:

(1) "Proprietor" means any person who employs dentists or dental hygienists in the operation of a dental office.

(2) "Dental franchisor" means any person or entity, pursuant to a written agreement, who provides a licensed dentist any dental practice management consulting services, which may include marketing or advertising services, signage or branding consulting, or places in possession of a licensed dentist such dental material or equipment as may be necessary for the management of a dental office on the basis of a lease or any other agreement for compensation. A person or entity is not a dental franchisor if the agreement with the dentist:

(A) Permits the person or entity to interfere with the professional judgment of the dentist; or

(B) contains terms that would constitute a violation of the dental practices act, rules and regulations adopted by the board, any orders and directives issued by the board or any other applicable law.

(3) "Unlicensed proprietor" means any person or entity not authorized to own or operate a dental practice that enters into an agreement with a dentist or dental hygienist related to the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene which:

(A) Permits the person or entity to interfere with the professional judgment of the dentist; or

(B) contains terms that would constitute a violation of the dental practices act, rules and regulations adopted by the board, any orders and directives issued by the board or any other applicable law.

A licensee of dentistry who enters into any arrangement with an unlicensed proprietor may have such license limited, suspended or revoked by the board.

(b) The estate or agent for a deceased or substantially disabled dentist may employ dentists, for a period of not more than 18 months following the date of death or substantial disability of the dentist, to provide service to patients until the practice can be sold or closed. Upon application showing good cause, including, but not limited to, evidence of a good faith effort to sell or close the dental practice, the Kansas dental board may extend the time in six-month increments for a period of not more than one additional year for which the practice can be sold or closed. The Kansas dental board may adopt rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

History: L. 1943, ch. 221, § 7; L. 1996, ch. 85, § 1; L. 2000, ch. 169, § 4; L. 2011, ch. 114, § 92; L. 2012, ch. 109, § 1; May 17.