Government Relations
Legislative Session Yields Big Wins for Dentistry
Following months of negotiation and passage of the state budget , the General Assembly adjourned for the summer recess , but not before passing several bills impacting dentistry – in a good way !
Virtual Credit Card ( Act 58 )
• 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 participating 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 participating dentists the ability to opt into the payment option that works best for their dental practice .
PDA sparred with the dental insurers and credit card lobbyists and came out on top — our No . 1 dental insurance reform issue passed on July 15 .
Noncompete Covenants ( Act 74 )
• Now includes an amendment to clearly define “ health care practitioner ” as medical doctors , doctors of osteopathy , certified registered nurse anesthetists , certified registered nurse practitioners , and physician assistants , so that dentistry isn ’ t included in a bill intended to address problems in medicine .
How did we lobby for an amendment ? One of PDA ’ s contact dentists just happens to be good friends with the bill ’ s primary sponsor . One phone call explaining the differences between dental and medical practice models helped pave the way for an amendment to the bill . This is a perfect illustration of the power of just one PDA contact dentist advocating for the dental profession !
Telehealth ( Act 42 )
• Defines telehealth and requires health insurers and managed care plans to pay for covered services that are rendered through telehealth , so long as standards of care are met .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7