FROM ASDA
ASDA supports PPE tax credit legislation
On July 1, ASDA along with 14 other dental organizations, signed on to a letter of gratitude and support for H.R. 7216. This bill would provide a tax credit of up to $25,000 for PPE costs for small businesses. This includes gloves and masks but also any retrofitting costs or equipment purchased to mitigate exposure to COVID-19. Read the letter. 

Attend ASDA's Advocacy 101 webinar
ASDA's Council on Advocacy is here to help you learn more about ASDA's key legislative issues and simple steps you can take to advocate on behalf of current and future dental students.  Join us  on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. CST to learn how to stay informed and get involved.
FROM Washington
Supreme Court upholds DACA program

The issue: On June 18, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump may not proceed with his plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. shared that the decision was based on the procedural issues followed by the Trump administration and that the President could choose to attempt to revoke the program again.

Why is it important?  On May 4, ASDA along with 76 other dental and healthcare organizations signed on to a letter urging legislative action to maintain work authorization for individuals currently in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status during the COVID-19 national emergency.
HHS provides money to Medicaid and CHIP programs

The issue: On June 9, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the allocation of $15 billion to Medicaid and CHIP providers from the Provider Relief Fund under the CARES Act. To receive funding, providers need to meet the following provisions:
  • Didn't receive a payment from the $50 billion General Distribution. This includes providers who have billed Medicare on a fee-for-service basis [Parts A or B] in 2019.
  • Directly billed Medicaid for health care-related services during the period of Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2019, or own an included subsidiary that has billed Medicaid for health care-related services during the period of Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2019.
  • Filed a federal income tax return for fiscal years 2017, 2018 or 2019 or be an entity exempt from the federal income tax return filing requirement and have no beneficial owner who is required to file a federal income tax return (e.g. a state-owned hospital or health care clinic)
  • Provided patient care after Jan. 31, 2020.
  • Didn't permanently cease providing patient care directly or indirectly through included subsidiaries.
  • Have gross receipts or sales from providing patient care reported on Form 1040, Schedule C, Line 1, excluding income reported on a W-2 as a (statutory) employee if the applicant is filing as an individual.
Why is this important?  On April 17, ASDA, along with more than 50 other dental organizations signed on to a letter requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide immediate access to capital by releasing funding from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to dentists that are Medicaid providers. While this allocation of funds is a step in the right direction, there is still more that can be done to provide funding to dentists more broadly. Health care providers are encouraged to apply by July 20.
House votes to extend Small Business Loan Program

The issue: On July 1, the House of Representatives voted to extend the Paycheck Protection Program through Aug. 8, giving small businesses more time to apply for the loans. Currently, there is $130 billion in unspent money allocated to the program, which allows small business to keep paying their employees during the pandemic. The program was set to expire on June 30, however, the Senate reached a deal hours before the program lapsed.

Why is this important: ASDA along with other associations within organized dentistry have been advocating for dentists to be able to take advantage of these small business loans. The extension could help practice owners who haven't yet had the opportunity to apply for the loans.
FROM the states
Several states address initial licensure during the pandemic
 
The issue: States are responding to concerns about professionals not able to receive licensure during this time. See below an update on states that have taken action.

Kansas:  On April 24, the Kansas Dental Board approved manikin-based exams for students graduating in 2020. All manikin-based exams from all regional testing agencies will be accepted for licensing purposes for 2020 dental graduates.
Louisiana:  On June 12, Governor John Bel Edwards signed HB 836 into law which allows the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry to modify clinical licensure requirements for dentists and hygienists during a declared state of emergency.

Minnesota:  On June 3, the Minnesota Board of dentistry passed a motion allowing dental students to apply for a six-month conditional license if they have not yet passed a board-approved clinical exam for this calendar year of 2020.


Why is this important?  ASDA advocacy efforts have been critical during this uncertain time. 27 states have made temporary or permanent changes in the initial dental licensure process. This affects 42 of ASDA's 66 chapters. Several of those states have announced changes to the licensure requirements for 2020 that align with ASDA's requests. It is important to stay involved in ASDA to ensure that lawmakers and regulatory agencies continue to meet the needs of dental students.
States addressing Medicaid benefits during COVID-19

The issue : As states begin to experience budget shortfalls due to the pandemic, they may begin to look for ways to cut spending. In Colorado, both chambers of the General Assembly passed HB20-1361. The bill would put an annual cap on adult dental benefits of $1,000. This is a decrease of $500 from the current cap. The cap would set to expire in 2022 and the bill is currently being reviewed by Governor Jared Polis.

Why is this important: As listed in ASDA's H-2 Policy , the association supports evidence-based measures that are efficacious and sustainable in reducing barriers to care in underserved communities. Cutting Medicaid benefits could be detrimental to a population that may already be facing unique challenges in light of the pandemic.


Advocacy Brief shares news about ongoing issues and legislation that are of interest to dental students and organized dentistry. Inclusion of items does not imply their adherence to ASDA policy.