January/February 2021 | Page 9

Government Relations

PDA Sets Legislative Priorities for the New Session

PDA ’ s Government Relations Committee is tasked with setting PDA ’ s legislative priorities for the Pennsylvania General Assembly ’ s new session that commenced in January 2021 . Before the start of a legislative session every two years , PDA leaders carefully weigh every issue impacting the dental profession and assess Pennsylvania ’ s political climate before deciding which issues to advocate for on your behalf and how best to allocate PDA ’ s resources to achieving our collective legislative goals .

At its January meeting , the Board of Trustees approved the committee ’ s recommendations for PDA to make the following issues a priority this legislative session , which runs from January 2021 to November 2022 :

1 ) Assignment of benefits

2 ) Dentists administering diagnostic / antibody tests and vaccines

3 ) Dental student loan forgiveness 4 ) Dental Medical Assistance funding

The committee takes very seriously its role in determining how best to use PDA ’ s lobbying resources and PAC funds . These issues were decided upon based on members ’ responses to the survey sent last fall , asking you to rank third-party payer and other dental issues in order of importance .

Thank you for taking the time to respond to PDA ’ s survey on what issues are of most concern to you and your practice ! Please be on the lookout for PDA ’ s legislative action alerts as session gets underway and be sure to respond with a quick email or phone call to your state lawmakers . We will give you all the background information and talking points you need to communicate dentistry ’ s position … all we ask for is five minutes of your time . Together , we can achieve dentistry ’ s legislative goals that will help shape the profession for years to come .

Wanted : PADPAC Donations

PDA has an uphill battle fighting against the insurance lobbyists and for more funding for dental-related programs . We also have the added challenge of educating lawmakers on the new issue of granting authority to dentists to order and administer diagnostic tests and vaccines .

Donations to PDA ’ s political action committee ( PADPAC ) help PDA to attend events and establish relationships with state lawmakers so that they understand the value of dentistry and the profession . Donations to PADPAC gives PDA ’ s lobbyists , staff and volunteer members access to fundraisers and other events that help advance our legislative agenda . It ’ s one more tool in PDA ’ s arsenal against the insurance industry and others who try to thwart our legislative agenda . This year , PDA needs to establish relationships with dozens of freshmen legislators who are unfamiliar with PDA and our issues . We also have to shore up relationships with veteran lawmakers who have advanced to leadership positions .

Please consider donating to PADAC at one of the following club levels . But PADPAC is grateful for any amount you are able and willing to give . We know these are trying times due to the pandemic , but your financial support of PADPAC will help us achieve your goals to advance and protect the dental profession .

If you have any questions about making a contribution to PADPAC , please contact John Basial at jpb @ padental . org or ( 800 ) 223-0016 , ext . 108 . You can also contribute online by visiting padental . org / padpac .

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7