Government Relations
Leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate claim they are working diligently to pass the state budget by the constitutional deadline of June 30 and will try to avoid the disastrous budget process of last year that extended into October . Though passing the budget is of primary concern , PDA continues our advocacy efforts to advance important insurance reforms and access to care initiatives through the legislature , and your help is needed during the summer months while legislators are back in their districts .
Were you unable to attend PDA ’ s Day on the Hill on June 8 ? You still have the chance to meet with your representative and senator in their district offices during the summer recess . PDA will provide you with background information on our issues and talking points you can use during your meetings . Please contact Marisa Swarney at ( 800 ) -223-0016 , or mss @ padental . org , to request that information and for assistance with arranging legislative meetings .
Governor signs EFDA bill into law
Due in large part to your involvement in the legislative process , we are pleased to report that the Senate of Pennsylvania passed HB 602 by a vote of 49-0 . The Governor signed HB 602 , now Act 19 , into law on April 29 . Now , the State Board of Dentistry will discuss how Act 19 will impact practicing EFDAs , who may need training to perform additional duties , as well as those who are currently enrolled in EFDA programs . Act 19 allows Expanded Function Dental Assistants ( EFDAs ) to perform coronal polishing and fluoride varnish , and take impressions of teeth for athletic appliances . It also appoints one EFDA and an additional dentist to the State Board of Dentistry , maintaining a solid majority of dentists to decide on dental licensee issues .
PDA had HB 602 introduced when the Governor enacted a law that allows for hygienists to practice as public health dental hygienists in public settings . PDA argued successfully that an expansion of EFDA duties would allow EFDAs to “ fill the gaps ” in dental offices and clinics which now have hygienists practicing in public settings . We are proud to have passed legislation that improves access to care and allows for more productivity in dental offices and clinics .
Our success in passing HB 602 is the result of the efforts made by PDA members to educate lawmakers about EFDA practice , as well as members ’ dues dollars at work by having the lobbyists and staff to advocate on members ’ behalf .
SB 1222 : Prohibiting insurers from capping non-covered services
On March 22 , then President-elect Dr . William Spruill , PDA lobbyist Mark Singel and government relations staff met with some members of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee or their staff , to discuss SB 1222 . This legislation is aimed at prohibiting all insurance companies operating in Pennsylvania from capping services they do not cover under their plans . PDA is working hard to convince the committee to soon vote on SB 1222 and move it to the Appropriations Committee for consideration .
PDA met with the offices of Sen . Jake Corman ( R-Centre ), Sen . Jane Earll ( R-Erie ), Sen . John Rafferty ( R-Berks ), Sen . Michael Stack ( D-Philadelphia ), Sen . Lisa Boscola ( D-Lehigh ) and Sen . Stewart Greenleaf . ( R-Bucks ). All of the senators seemed receptive to PDA ’ s argument that this is an unfair insurance practice that could have serious financial repercussions for both dentists and patients .
SB 1222 will pass only if dentists become involved in the grassroots effort and contact their representatives in the General Assembly . Please refer to the March / April 2010 issue of the Journal for more information about how to contact your senator , particularly if he or she is a member of the Banking and Insurance Committee . They need to hear from you now and often !
Senate Passes the Volunteer Continuing Medical Education Act
In April , the Senate unanimously passed legislation that allows a physician , dentist , dental hygienist , professional nurse or certified registered nurse practitioner to use volunteer time served in a communitybased health care clinic toward completion of up to 20 percent of their respective continuing education hours required for biennial renewal . Continuing education required under the Volunteer Health Services Act is exempt .
SB 464 is now poised for action in the House of Representatives , where it must pass before it is signed into law by the Governor .
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May / June 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal
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