08-20111-18

SUMMARY OF:A Sunset Review of the Department of Health and Social Services, Statewide Suicide Prevention Council

Why DLA Performed This Audit

The purpose of this audit was to determine if there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset June 30, 2019, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.

Report Conclusions

The audit concludes that the board operated in the public’s interest by effectively licensing and regulating dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. The board monitored licensees and worked to ensure only qualified individuals practiced in Alaska. Furthermore, the board was active in amending regulations to improve the industry.

In accordance with AS 08.03.010(c)(7), the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019. We recommend that the legislature extend the board’s termination date eight years to June 30, 2027.

Findings and Recommendations

  1. The board president should take steps to correct a regulation error.
  2. DCCED’s Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing’s chief investigator, in consultation with the board, should implement controls to ensure the appropriate entities are notified when a licensee’s prescription authority is suspended or revoked.