Legislative Recap
SOFTEDGE PROVIDES INNOVATIVE ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE FOR PDA MEMBERS
PDA uses the new and improved SoftEdge for its comprehensive grassroots advocacy and legislative outreach software . This customized software meets our specific needs at PDA and helps us effectively communicate our members ’ legislative priorities to the PA House and Senate , as well as the Governor ’ s Administration .
Through SoftEdge , our lobbyists can visit the Capitol with confidence that we are well-prepared to interact with legislators and staff on issues important to PDA . The tool is quick and easy for our members . Check out the Advocacy section of PDA ’ s website and learn to communicate with your state lawmakers quickly and effectively !
PDA ’ S ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS LEGISLATION PASSES THE SENATE
In January , the Senate of Pennsylvania passed SB 373 , PDA ’ s legislation requiring insurers to assign benefits , on patient ’ s request , to nonparticipating dentists . SB 373 now moves to the House Insurance Committee in the House of Representatives .
Assignment of benefits legislation is PDA ’ s top priority this legislative session . PDA ’ s lobbyist , staff and volunteer leaders drafted the legislation , found sponsors to introduce bills in both the House of Representatives and Senate , and spearheaded negotiations in both chambers to garner enough support for legislative leaders to begin moving the bill through the Senate . PDA is very optimistic that the House of Representatives will pass SB 373 before the end of session in late fall .
PDA thanks the hundreds of you who have responded to our action alerts as SB 373 moved quickly through the Senate . This victory illustrates how the collective voice of organized dentistry can make a positive difference for your profession and patients ! Help us keep the momentum going to pass this important insurance practice reform legislation and send it to the Governor for his signature . Please respond to PDA ’ s action alerts requesting that you contact your state representative about assignment of benefits and the need to support SB 373 . We need a united front to counter the insurance lobbyists hard at work opposing this bill .
PDA ’ S LOAN FORGIVENESS BILL INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE
Representative Karen Boback introduced HB 1267 , which creates a standalone student loan forgiveness program for dentists . Under the current model , dentists are eligible to earn up to $ 100,000 in loan repayment , in exchange for a two-year , full-time commitment to practice in a health professional shortage area ( HPSA ). This amount is inadequate given the amount of debt most dental students accumulate . HB 1267 would increase funding to up to $ 200,000 for a three-year , full-time commitment in a HPSA .
There are a total of 87 dental HPSAs in Pennsylvania .
TELEMEDICINE
Senator Elder Vogel introduced SB 780 to address the emerging issue of telemedicine ( including dentistry ), which is the remote delivery of health care services and medical information using telecommunications technology . Telemedicine and teledentistry are a significant and rapidly growing component of health care . Through the use of telemedicine and teledentistry , health care providers are able to expand their reach , helping rural patients stay in their communities and avoid traveling long distances for treatment .
SB 780 defines telemedicine , offers guidelines outlining who can provide telemedicine services , and provides clarity around insurance company reimbursement for these services . Although the legislation requires payments for telemedicine and teledental services , those payments will be established between the provider and insurer . The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approved SB 780 in January . The legislation now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote .
REGULATORY UPDATE
PDA monitors and responds to the State Board of Dentistry ( SBOD ) as it promulgates regulations for the dental profession . Emerging issues that the SBOD may address in the future include licensing exams , the administration of botox , corporate and mobile dentistry and teeth whitening services . PDA reviews all regulatory proposals and advocates
on members ’ behalf for the enactment of fair and reasonable regulations .
30 2018 Annual Report | Pennsylvania ’ s Dental Meeting