Government Relations
In June , or soon after , the Pennsylvania General Assembly will wrap up negotiations with the Shapiro Administration over the Commonwealth ’ s fiscal year budget beginning on July 1 . PDA will closely monitor developments to make sure that the legislature continues to provide funding to help Dental Lifeline Network administer its Donated Dental Services program , and that the Department of Human Services ’ budget includes the $ 12 million to raise fees for select codes in the dental Medicaid program , as agreed upon by the legislature last fall .
Virtual Credit Card ( HB 1664 )
Victory on the legislative front ! As we announced to you on April 9 , the House of Representatives passed HB 1664 , PDA ’ s virtual credit card legislation , with a unanimous vote ! HB 1664 is now in the Senate .
As a reminder , HB 1664 :
• Does not prohibit insurers from using virtual credit card payments altogether . It simply states that virtual credit cards cannot be the only option .
• Requires that insurers provide notice to dentists of all payment options , as well as instructions and contact information for dentists to obtain the exact fees imposed by the insurer or its contracted vendor ( s ).
• Gives dentists the ability to opt into the payment option that works best for their dental office or facility .
This victory was made possible because of the dedication of volunteer leaders , and our members at the grassroots level responding to our action alerts asking you to contact your state representative and senator . Thank you for advocating for your profession and patients ! We need a strong PAC to continue our efforts to educate public officials and strengthen our relationships with lawmakers . Please donate to PADPAC ’ s Dental Insurance reform ( DIR ) Fund so that we can work on your behalf to enact meaningful DIR reforms ! ( see page 6 )
Dental Loss Ratio ( HB 1457 )
Since session began in early 2024 , PDA ’ s lobbyists , staff , and volunteer leaders have attended several stakeholder meetings hosted by Rep . Kyle Mullins regarding his legislation that requires dental insurers to report their respective dental loss ratios ( DLR ) to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department ( PID ). Representatives for the dental insurers are generally supportive of reporting requirements but are steadfast in their opposition to the Commonwealth establishing a specific DLR and a requirement that they issue rebates to patients if the DLR is unmet .
PDA continues to advocate that standards should be consistent among dental and medical insurance , and for the inclusion of additional reporting requirements found in the model legislation approved in April by the National Council of Insurance Legislators ( NCOIL ).
Other legislative news
Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact License ( HB 1586 ) Rep . Kyle Mullins introduced the Dentist & Dental Hygienist ( DDH ) Compact model that had been facilitated by the Council on State Governments ( CSG ) and many dental stakeholders . Rep Patrick Harris plans to introduce an alternative compact model presented by the American Association of Dental Boards ( AADB ). PDA ’ s Government Relations Committee is reviewing both compact models as the Commonwealth works to resolve issues raised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) regarding information sharing for the purposes of criminal background checks on applicants for licenses . It is unlikely the legislature will consider either compact until those issues are resolved .
Advisory Opinions from Licensing Boards ( HB 1364 ) Rep . Keith Greiner introduced legislation that empowers the Commonwealth ’ s professional licensing boards to render advisory opinions related to an act or regulations that are germane to each respective board .
PDA has expressed support for HB 1364 in its letter to the House Professional Licensure Committee , explaining that dentists are practicing in good faith but sometimes have difficulty understanding and interpreting regulations from the State Board of Dentistry . Many dentists seek clarity on those regulations they find ambiguous so that they may practice with more assurances that they are complying and not inadvertently taking risks that may result in disciplinary charges that endangers their livelihood and ability to provide continuity of care to their patients . Enhanced transparency and guidance from licensing boards also helps safeguard the public by increasing the likelihood that practitioners are adhering to regulations and meeting standards of care .
MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7