Following are proposed rules of possible interest to small businesses published in the July 28, 2006 Illinois Register.  During the 45-day comment period, individuals have an opportunity to express their support or opposition to the rule.  To submit comments or to learn more about the proposed rules, contact Katy Khayyat at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Entrepreneurship Network Information Center via e-mail at Katy.Khayyat@Illinois.gov  or call (800) 252-2923 or (217) 785-8020. 

The following proposed regulation will impact dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists and those who have anesthesia and sedation permits (those licensed under the Illinois Dental Practice Act):

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation adopted emergency amendments to its rules titled “Illinois Dental Practice Act” (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1220), effective 7/18/06, that implement provisions of Public Act 94-409, the reauthorization of the Illinois Dental Practice Act [225 ILCS 25].  These emergency rulemaking extends license renewal periods from every 2 years to every 3 years, beginning 9/30/06.  In addition, licensure renewal fees are updated to reflect the 1-year extension to the renewal periods for dentists (from $200 to $300), dental specialists (from $200 to $300), dental hygienists (from $100 to $150), and those who additionally have anesthesia and sedation permits (from $200 to $300).  Similar, but not identical, proposed amendments appear in the July 28th issue of the Illinois Register.  They mirror the changes made by the emergency rulemaking but also include amendments that reflect the creation of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation through the combination of several separate agencies a few years ago. 

Bottom Line:  Public Act 94-409 is the sunset reauthorization of the Illinois Dental Practice Act; this proposed rulemaking implements its various provisions.  Sections are being amended to reflect the change from a 2-year to a 3-year license; sections are added to provide for the endorsement of dental specialty licenses and to provide that dentists educated outside the United States or Canada an alternative to the requirement that they complete 2 years of clinical training at an American or Canadian dental school.  For more information, contact Barb Smith at (217) 785-0813. 

***

New Fax Regulations Began August 1

The Federal Communications Commission latest round of fax regulations includes limiting the ability to send faxes to individuals without an existing business relationship (EBR), as of August 1.  The new regulations, which the FCC released in April 2006, requires senders of commercial faxes that utilize the EBR provision to have an “opt-out” mechanism to allow recipients to decline future faxes.  The opt-out notice must be listed on the front page of the fax and must include a toll-free telephone number, fax number, email address or website that would allow the recipient a cost-free mechanism to opt out of future faxes.  If the recipient requests to opt out of future faxes, the sender must accommodate the request within 30 days and may no longer send unsolicited fax messages unless the recipient directly requests to receive them.  The regulations implement the fax legislation that passed Congress and was signed into law in June 2005.  The legislation did not alter the previously existing provision that allows for a private right of action by a recipient to file civil lawsuits in state court against the party that sends illegal faxes with penalties of up to $1500 for each violation. 

***

OSHA Posters and Publications:  Free For The Asking

Advertisements and threatening phone calls suggesting and demanding that OSHA workplace posters must be purchased from private companies is misleading employers OSHA reminds employers that official posters are available free for the asking.  Posters, and most publications, are available at no cost to anyone who asks simply by visiting www.osha.gov/pls/publications, by calling the publications office at (202) 693-1888.

Thanks to:
Katy Khayyat
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network Business Info. Center
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
620 East Adams Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Ph - (217) 785-8020 or (800) 252-2923