The American Dental Association is showing its support for legislation to assist licensing authorities in states that are part of an interstate compact.
The States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act would require the FBI to release criminal history of individuals applying for licenses under the compact to state licensing authorities, according to a March 20 news release from the ADA.
In some cases, the FBI has prevented the release of a background check to help process a compact licensure application.
"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 ADA said in a letter to Congress.
The licensing authority would not be permitted to share the information with the compact's committee, other state boards or the public.