Four states are considering bills impacting dentistry, including Medicaid reimbursements, licensing and dental therapy.
Five proposals to know:
New York
New York legislators are considering two bills to authorize dental therapists to practice in the state. Senator Nathalia Fernandez introduced bill S4428 in February, while Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner introduced bill AO5373 in March.
Arizona
The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners is considering changes to the state's anesthesia requirements after multiple patient deaths. Under the proposed changes, dentists who already have a permit in anesthesiology would have to earn a pediatric endorsement to give anesthesia or sedation to anyone under age 8. They would undergo evaluation every two years and would have to administer anesthesia to at least 20 pediatric patients within those two years.
Nebraska
Nebraska legislators are working to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for dentists again after a slight raise this year. Sen. Lynne Walz introduced a bill in January to increase dental reimbursements under the Medical Assistance Act by 25 percent, a move that would cost the state about $6 million.
North Carolina
North Carolina legislators are considering a bill that would make several changes to dentistry in the state. Senate Bill 382 would expand the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners' capabilities related to licensing, clinical assessments and practice. Some of the changes include allowing dental students to use mannequins for clinical assessments and requiring applicants to submit to a physical or mental exam by healthcare providers before a license is granted.