Legislative / Advocacy Activities
PDA ’ s legislative activities began on June 4 with our annual Day on the Hill meetings . Subsequent to this , the following occurred :
• As part of the Commonwealth ’ s FY14 budget , full funding for the Donated Dental Service ( DDS ) program was restored . The restored funding allowed the Dental Lifeline Network to restore one regional coordinator position in the eastern part of the state while maintaining the coordinator already existing in Western PA . This program , funded by the Dental Lifeline Network , provides dentistry to individuals with disabilities or without financial means .
• Volunteer License : HB 1056 would allow the State Board of Dentistry to issue temporary volunteer licenses to dentists who are in good standing in other states or territories , so that they may volunteer at charitable events , or provide care during emergencies in Pennsylvania . HB 1056 passed the House in April 2013 and the Senate in January 2014 ; and was signed by Governor Corbett in February . The bill ( Act 7 ) now must make a convoluted journey through the regulatory review process , which can take up to 18 months . Efforts are being made to expedite this process .
• Assignment of Benefits ( AOB ) – Efforts to achieve Senate approval of AOB have been unsuccessful . On January 25 the PDA Board met with Ms . Callahan of the Winter Group to discuss strategy . At this meeting a decision was made to change our approach from seeking initial approval in the Senate to seeking initial approval in the House of Representatives . A meeting with Majority Leader Mike Turzai ( R-28 ) was scheduled for March 10 .
• The Fluoride Now Coalition evolved into the PA Coalition for Oral Health ( PCOH ). During 2013 Immediate Past President Bernie Dishler ( 2 ) was appointed by the PCOH steering committee to serve as its Chair . The PCOH advocates for many of the policies supported by the PDA – streamlining Medicaid credentialing and billing ; loan forgiveness and tax incentives for dentists ; oral health campaigns focused on prevention and care for children – and the PDA intends to take an active role in their implementation .
I look forward to your participation in PDA ’ s upcoming Day on the Hill in Harrisburg which is scheduled for June 3 , 2014 . Dr . Stephen Radack ( 9 ), your incoming President , is a pragmatic individual . He is receptive to new ideas , and wise from his experiences as your former Treasurer and District Nine Trustee . His consensus-building skills will further advance PDA ’ s collaborative efforts . I extend my best wishes to STR3 as he begins his tenure as your President .
Weber Campaign
In 2012 Dr . Charlie Weber ( 2 ) declared his intention to be a candidate for ADA President-elect . Unfortunately , the result did not turn out as we had hoped . Thank you , Charlie , for conducting a professional , well-run campaign . Thanks also need to be expressed to Drs . Linda Himmelberger ( 2 ) and Ron Heier ( 2 ); and to Charlie ’ s campaign committee for its efforts on his behalf . Their efforts , along with those of the PDA delegation during the ADA Annual Session , and the countless others who toiled in this effort are deeply appreciated .
In Closing
At the conclusion of the Annual Session , the Ferryman will transport me to the land of former officers . Before Charon takes me on this journey , I would like to thank you , the membership , for enabling me to participate in the leadership of the PDA as Trustee , Treasurer and President . I would also like to thank the members of District Ten and the current and former Board members for their support over the years . These are hard-working groups and they deserve recognition for the many hours they expend in serving the Association and dentistry . Also , I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the staff , present and those no longer with us , who have facilitated my efforts and the interests of the PDA . Thanks again for the honor of serving as your President .
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