GOVERNMENT RELATIONS continued annual rate of 25 percent . These dentists must practice in an area designated a health professional shortage area by either the federal government or Pennsylvania Department of Health .
The current loan forgiveness program , run by the Department of Health , reimburses a maximum of $ 64,000 for a four-year commitment . On average , dental students graduates with more than $ 200,000 in debt , and dentists who continue with specialty training typically assume an even greater amount . Only 30 percent of students graduating from Pennsylvania ’ s three dental schools choose to practice here .
PDA is generally supportive of student loan forgiveness programs , so long as the state does not require dentists to stay in one area for such a length of time that students are hesitant to apply to the program . Also , the debt forgiveness should be an amount that will incentivize students to practice in Pennsylvania .
HB 542 was assigned to the House Education Committee in February , but it has not yet received any consideration .
New OSHA Requirements Take Effect
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align with the United Nation ’ s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals . Two significant changes contained within the revised standard require the use of new labeling elements and a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets , formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets . Once fully implemented the changes will enhance worker comprehension of hazards in the workplace and provide workers with quicker and more efficient access to safety information . To assist companies in complying with the new standard , OSHA will be phasing the specific requirements through June 1 , 2016 ; the first compliance date is December 1 , 2013 .
All employers must have trained their staff on the new label elements and new safety data sheet format . Employers or dental office compliance managers must
Department of Health Sets Record Reproduction Fees
The Secretary of Health annually adjusts the amounts which may be charged by a health care facility or health care provider upon receipt of an official request or subpoena for production of medical charts or records .
Flat fees apply to amounts that may be charged by a health care facility or health care provider when copying medical charts or records either : ( a ) for the purpose of supporting any claim or appeal under the Social Security Act or any Federal or State financial needs based program ; or ( b ) for a district attorney . Please note that for all other circumstances , the State Board of Dentistry regulations allow dentists to charge a “ reasonable fee ” for record reproduction . Dentists may use the following fees as a guideline , but it not a requirement when patients or other dental providers request copies of records .
Effective January 1 , 2014 , the following fees may be charged by a health care facility or health care provider for production of records in response to subpoena or official request :
Not to Exceed Amount charged per page for pages 1 – 20 $ 1.44 Amount charged per page for pages 21 – 60 $ 1.06 Amount charged per page for pages 61 – end $. 35 Amount charged per page for microfilm copies $ 2.12 Flat fee for production of records to support any claim under Social Security or any Federal or State financial needs based program ; $ 27.02 Flat fee for supplying records requested by a district attorney $ 21.33 * Search and retrieval of records $ 21.33
The above fees apply for paper copies or reproductions on electronic media whether the records are stored on paper or in electronic format . The charges listed in this notice do not apply to an X-ray film or any other portion of a medical record which is not susceptible to photostatic reproduction .
In addition to the amounts listed above , charges may also be assessed for the actual cost of postage , shipping and delivery of the requested records .
also update alternative workplace labeling and the office hazard communication program as necessary , as well as provide additional employee training for any newly identified hazards by June 1 , 2016 .
In order to assist employers with training , OSHA ’ s website hosts a fact sheet about the minimum topics that must be included in the training required , as well as briefs and quick cards on Safety Data Sheets , Labeling and Pictograms . The fact sheets , briefs and quick cards can be found on the OSHA website at : https :// - www . osha . gov / dsg / hazcom / index . html
The ADA regulatory compliance manual also offers further information on training requirements for the revised hazard communication standard . To order the manual , please contact ADA Member Services at 1-800-947-4746 or go to ADAcatalog . org .
Shape the Conversation in Harrisburg — Support PADPAC
The Pennsylvania Dental Association Political Action Committee ( PADPAC ) is the political arm of PDA and one of the largest bipartisan political action committees in the state . PADPAC is made up of PDA members who are interested and invested in making a positive contribution to the dental profession through the political process . PADPAC supports pro-dentistry candidates running for the Pennsylvania state legislature or statewide office .
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