Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Who is protected from defamation actions when reporting to a diversion evaluation committee?

1. The licensee under review

2. Any person making reports to the committee

3. The dental hygiene board members

4. The treatment program facilitators

The correct answer is: Any person making reports to the committee

The correct response relates to the principle of legal immunity offered to individuals who provide information to certain official bodies, such as a diversion evaluation committee. When any person makes a report regarding a licensee's behavior or fitness to practice to the committee, they are afforded protection from defamation actions as long as the reports are made in good faith and pertain to relevant information in the context of the evaluation. This protection encourages individuals to report potentially harmful or unethical practices without fear of legal repercussions, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the profession. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where concerns can be raised constructively, which ultimately benefits the profession and the public. The other options focus on specific roles but do not capture the broad protection extended to all individuals making reports. Licensees under review may not be protected from defamation actions related to their own conduct. Similarly, while board members and treatment program facilitators may have their own legal protections in the course of their duties, the question specifically highlights the protections granted to those reporting to the committee, making the broader category of any person making such reports the correct choice.