Government Relations
The committee held a public hearing in March to hear from the stakeholder community and the Department of State regarding its concerns that there is not enough manpower to respond to requests for advisory opinions from all of the Commonwealth ’ s licensing boards . There has not been a meeting scheduled to vote on whether to move HB 1364 out of committee .
Teledentistry ( HB 1585 ) The House of Representatives passed Rep . Dan Frankel ’ s legislation to define teledental services , require insurance payment for services rendered , and authorize the State Board of Dentistry to promulgate regulations that ensure that teledental services meet standards of care . HB 1585 is now assigned to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee .
In June , the Senate passed a telemedicine bill introduced by Sen . Elder Vogel . PDA will continue to monitor both the teledental and telemedicine bills as they progress through the legislative process .
Restoration of Adult Medicaid Services ( HB 1417 ) The House of Representatives also passed Rep . Gina Curry ’ s legislation to restore those dental services provided to adults enrolled in the Medicaid program that had been eliminated in 2011 , so long as the legislature appropriates the necessary funding to do so . HB 1417 is now assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee .
Advocacy At Work
We have continued to work hard for our Virtual Credit Card legislation . As we have emphasized many times over the years , you , our members , are the best messengers and advocates for the cause . Dr . Linda Himmelberger and Dr . Bernie Logan met with Rep . Melissa Shusterman during her “ Coffee & Conversation ” to urge support for HB 1664 ( which subsequently passed the House ). This was a great example of PDA reaching a key legislator and fostering a valuable relationship , as Rep . Shusterman sits on the House Health Committee . Additionally , Drs . Himmelberger and Logan spoke to her about DLR legislation as well as credentialing legislation . Rep . Shusterman left this meeting with a full understanding of what PDA and dentistry are trying to accomplish .
Dr . Bernie Logan , Rep . Melissa Shusterman , Dr . Linda Himmelberger
8 MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL