HB1491 Summary

• Adds "nonprofit hospital" as a new defined entity under Arkansas's Dental Corporation Act, requiring 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operation as a hospital under federal tax law.

• Exempts nonprofit hospitals from Arkansas Business Corporation Act requirements that normally apply to dental corporations, while allowing them to operate dental clinics.

• Requires nonprofit hospitals to register with the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners before operating a dental clinic, providing the hospital's name, IRS determination letter, service locations, and identification of licensed dental personnel.

• Mandates that only licensed dentists or dental hygienists may provide dental treatment at nonprofit hospital clinics, and prohibits hospitals from interfering with professionals' clinical judgment while permitting enforcement of employment contracts and quality standards.

• Permits nonprofit hospitals registered under the Dental Corporation Act to employ dental hygienists and engage dental laboratories, with the same work authorization and record-keeping requirements as individual dentists.