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National LegislationAGD continuously monitors national legislation so that the organization can communicate the interest of the general dentist to interested parties. In addition, the organization maintains policies to communicate the AGD position when speaking to national legislators on the general dentists’ behalf. AGD encourages its members to advocate on behalf of the profession as well. Review the current list of the AGD dental care and legislative policies to use in your communications with local lawmakers. In addition, the AGD publishes updates on national legislation that may affect general dentists. Click on the links below to learn more about national legislation that the AGD is monitoring or view earlier legislative updates from the AGD by click on the archive link on the right.
On Oct. 29, 2009, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 3854, which combines provisions from eight bills aimed at improving small businesses’ access to capital. This legislation, sponsored by the Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Finance and Taxes, Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.-5), allows the Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase loans, provide more capital to low-income areas and renewable-energy industries, and make loan guarantees to small health care firms purchasing health information technology (HIT).
The HIT provisions authorize the SBA to guarantee up to 90 percent of loans made to health care providers that qualify as a small business and are classified as an “eligible professional” under the HIT provisions in the economic stimulus bill to support the acquisition and installation of certified HIT equipment. Loans are capped at $350,000 for individual practitioners and $2 million for group practices. The legislation prohibits most fees associated with such loans and permits a deferral period of one to three years. The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate in November.
Impact on General Dentists: This bill will make available more capital to small business owners, such as general dentists. The HIT provisions in the bill will provide small business health care practitioners with access to a funding source to purchase HIT equipment.
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