Section 828IAC1-1-24. Discontinuation of practice

   (a) Upon retirement, discontinuation of practice, or leaving or moving from a community, a dentist shall:

(1) notify all of the dentist's active patients in writing, or by publication once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the community, that the dentist intends to discontinue the dentist's practice of dentistry in the community; and

(2) encourage the dentist's patients to seek the services of another dentist.

  (b) This section does not apply to dentists engaged solely in internship, residency, preceptorship, fellowship, teaching, or other postgraduate dental education or training programs.

  (c) The dentist shall make reasonable arrangements with the dentist's active patients for the transfer of the dentist's records, or copies thereof, to the succeeding practitioner, or, at the written request of the patient, to the patient, in compliance with IC 16-39.

  (d) As used in this section, "active patient" applies and refers to a person whom the dentist has examined, treated, cared for, or otherwise consulted with during the two (2) year period prior to retirement, discontinuation of practice, or moving from or leaving the community.

  (e) Nothing in this section supersedes the requirements of IC 16-39. (State Board of Dentistry; 828 IAC 1-1-24; filed May 21, 2001, 4:11 p.m.: 24 IR 3066; readopted filed Oct 4, 2007, 3:36 p.m.: 20071031-IR-828070047RFA; readopted filed Nov 25, 2013, 9:23 a.m.: 20131225-IR-828130287RFA)