ADA urges passage of SHARE Act

Bill would remove red tape to improve license portability

The ADA is supporting legislation that would require the FBI to make criminal history available to a state occupational or professional licensing authority for background checks of individuals seeking a license under an interstate compact. 

In a letter addressed to Reps. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Bobby Scott, D- Va., Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., the ADA noted the significant staffing shortages, retention and recruitment issues afflicting the dental industry. The letter, supporting the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment, or SHARE, Act, was signed by ADA President Linda J. Edgar, D.D.S., and Executive Director Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S.

One part of the solution to these staffing challenges is license portability as provided for in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Although the DDH Compact requires applicants to complete an FBI background check, the letter noted, in some cases the FBI has prevented the release of background check information to assist in the processing of a compact licensure application.

“The SHARE Act would address this problem by requiring the FBI to make criminal history record information available to a state occupational or professional licensing authority for background checks of individuals seeking a license under an interstate compact,” the letter said. 

Under the SHARE Act, a state licensing authority may not share someone’s criminal history with the compact’s commission, any other state entity or licensing authority or the public. It may, however, inform the compact’s commission of completion of a background check. 

The ultimate goal of the legislation, according to the letter, is to properly vet every provider who seeks licensure to ensure patients are protected as well as to facilitate licensure portability so that patients have access to care. 

“We believe the SHARE Act provides necessary protections and would allow states the ability to properly assess applicants seeking an interstate compact licensure to alleviate workforce shortages … and we ask that you take up the SHARE Act in your committees and seek its passage in the U.S. House,” the letter said.