Here are 20 legislative updates from the state and federal levels that could impact dental professionals and practice operations:
Federal
- President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion spending package March 23 that provides funding for several federal agencies through the next six months and supports several oral health initiatives.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a bill May 17 to expand dental care coverage for veterans and low-income individuals as well as increase the oral healthcare workforce.
- The American Dental Association expressed backing for the No Fees for EFTs Act, which would prevent health plans from placing fees on dentists for electronic funds transfers. It also supports the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which aims to boost workforce development and training programs for dental hygienists and dental assistants, and the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act, which would prevent dental and vision plans from creating the fees that network dentists can charge for services not covered by insurers and stop dentists from being forced to sign contracts that are longer than two years.
- A coalition of dental provider associations and oral healthcare organizations expressed its support for the Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Act.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced two pieces of legislation that would guarantee paid vacation and establish a 32-hour workweek for U.S. employees.
State
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed a teledentistry bill and enacted another bill to increase funding for adult dental services under Medicaid.
- The Connecticut General Assembly sent two bills related to dentistry and oral health in the state to Gov. Ned Lamont for approval. House Bill 5293 makes changes to Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services, including establishing an oral health and dental services unit within the department. House Bill 5290 would streamline the process for dentists to receive a moderation sedation or general anesthesia permit for multiple locations who already have a permit for one location.
- Gov. DeSantis signed Senate Bill 892: Dental Insurance Claims on May 17. The bill makes changes to the dental insurance claims process in the state, including prohibiting insurers from denying claims for procedures included in a prior authorization.
- Minnesota, Kansas, Virginia and Colorado recently joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist compact.
- Some California dental practices will be required to create, implement and maintain a workplace violence protection plan by July 1 after Senate Bill 553 was signed into law last September.
- The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban dental insurers from denying coverage for procedures they've previously authorized. Illinois legislators are also considering a bill that would allow dental school graduates to practice while waiting for license approval.
- The Nebraska legislature approved a bill that increases reimbursements for Medicaid dental services by 12.5% for fiscal year 2024-25.
- West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill that expands the state's Medicaid dental coverage cap.
- Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill allowing individuals to obtain a professional license, commercial license, certificate, permit or registration regardless of immigration or citizenship status on March 13.