IDA UPDATE
Indiana Dental Association | July 2020
IDA Workforce Survey Coming Soon
Watch your email for a workforce survey from the IDA. The survey queries members about their challenges, if any, in filling positions for assistants, hygienists and office staff. Look for a Survey Monkey link next week.
EEOC Guidance for COVID-19 Antibody Tests
Many dentists have asked the IDA if an employer can require staff to obtain antibody testing. The CDC has clarified that antibody test results should not be used to make decisions about returning persons to the workplace. In addition, the CDC states that an antibody test does not meet “job related and consistent with business necessity” standard for medical examinations or inquiries for current employees.

Therefore, requiring antibody testing before allowing employees to re-enter the workplace is not allowed under the Americans With Disabilities Act. However, the EEOC has already stated that requiring COVID-19 viral tests is permissible for employers.
CARES Act Funds Expanded to Include Dental Offices
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is expanding the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to include dental providers.
This fund is available for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. The final amount each provider receives will be determined after the provider submits an application and the necessary supporting documentation.

The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, July 24.
Amalgam Separator Reporting Deadline October 12
Tuesday, July 14, was the deadline for most dental offices to have installed an amalgam separator.

Each dental discharger subject to the rule must complete, sign and submit a one-time compliance report to its respective Control Authority by October 12, 2020, or 90 days after transfer of ownership. New sources must submit a report no later than 90 days after first discharging to a publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs). In Indiana, the Control Authority may be a local wastewater utility, or the U.S. EPA Region 5 office, depending on the dental office location.

You should have received an email from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency that included a list of POTWs and an EPA report form for those who do not report to a POTW. If you have questions about your reporting or location status, contact IDA Director of Professional Services Ed Rosenbaum.
IDA Meets With Speaker Huston on Dental Issues
IDA leadership, Government Affairs Committee and IDPAC participated in a Zoom call with Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives Todd Huston (R). The Speaker gave an update on the 2020 session, discussed the upcoming budget session and the state’s fiscal condition during uncertain times.

Participants on the call were able to discuss the IDA’s upcoming legislative package, which will include vaccination administration by dentists, third-party payer reform, the definition of dentistry and ensuring that dentists will be able to test for COVID-19 when the test becomes available. The group also discussed dental Medicaid issues.

IDA staff are presently working on organizing a Zoom call with President Pro Tempore Rod Bray in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to Dr. Platt
Dr. Jeffrey Platt has been named Interim Editor of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Dr. Platt has served in this role since April 1 and will continue in the position through December, or until an Editor in Chief has been named.

Our congratulations to Dr. Platt for his JADA contributions.