AGD Capitol Connections

Lawmakers Include Oral Health Allocations in Annual Government Funding Package

Dec 22, 2020

Congress passed a $1.4 trillion "omnibus" government funding package for fiscal year (FY) 2021 on December 21, after several delays due to pending negotiations on the latest COVID-19 relief bill.

HHS Sending Out Phase 3 Provider Relief Funds

Dec 22, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on December 16 that the next round of Provider Relief Fund distributions was starting, as it had completed reviews of Phase 3 applications.

FDA Approves Emergency Use of COVID-19 Vaccines

Dec 22, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older.

Congress Reaches Deal on $900 Billion COVID-19 Relief Package

Dec 22, 2020

Following months of negotiations and the passage of several short-term funding extensions to prevent a government shutdown, Congressional leaders finally reached a deal on December 20 to provide additional pandemic relief for Americans and U.S. economy through a $900 billion legislative package.

In the States

Dec 4, 2020

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency.

AGD Calls for Lawmakers to Prioritize Oral Health Policies in Funding Package Negotiations

Dec 4, 2020

Following the release of the Senate's Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bill working drafts, AGD sent a letter to leaders of relevant House and Senate funding subcommittees to reaffirm support for funding critical oral health programs.

How to Apply for PPP Forgiveness Quick-Reference Available for AGD Members

Dec 4, 2020

AGD has prepared a quick-reference guide for members on applying for loan forgiveness under the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

AGD Develops COVID-19 Vaccine Website

Dec 4, 2020

The AGD has developed a new section of the AGD COVID-19 website to provide members with the most current credible vaccine information available.

AGD Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Relief Package

Dec 4, 2020

AGD recently sent a letter to the "Four Corners" of Senate and House leadership, which urges Congress to advance a supplemental COVID-19 relief package to address the general dentistry community's key priorities.

COVID-19 OSHA Standard Expected as Top Priority for Biden Administration

Nov 19, 2020

One of the first actions anticipated by President-elect Joe Biden's Administration will be implementing mandatory workplace safety rules that employers must follow to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure.

House Committee Holds Hearing on Pandemic Risk Insurance

Nov 19, 2020

The House Committee on Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance held a hearing on November 19 entitled "Insuring against a Pandemic: Challenges and Solutions for Policyholders and Insurers."

Senate Committee Releases FY2021 Government Funding Proposals

Nov 19, 2020

The Senate Appropriations Committee published working drafts of its 12 Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bills on November 10.

Senate Bill Introduced to Address Noncovered Services Issue

Nov 19, 2020

On November 12, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced S.4894, the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act, which helps ensure fairness in contracts between doctors and dental insurers and supports a healthy doctor-patient relationship.

House Republicans Introduce Targeted COVID-19 Package

Nov 4, 2020

House Republicans released a $47 billion Covid-19 relief proposal (H.R.14) on October 30 intended to be a "serious, targeted proposal" to address the pandemic (summary).

HHS Updates Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund Recipients

Nov 4, 2020

On October 22, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the reporting guidance for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payment recipients had been amended to increase flexibility around how providers can apply PRF money toward lost revenues attributable to coronavirus.

Capitol Connections

Oct 26, 2020

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.

Coalition of Dental and Medical Groups Push for Consideration of Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

Oct 21, 2020

AGD, along with 28 other allied health organizations, including AAOMS and ADA, sent a letter to the leaders of the House Education & Labor Committee on October 15, voicing support for H.R.1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

SBA Releases Guidance on Simpler Forgiveness for Small PPP Loans

Oct 21, 2020

On October 8, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less.

HHS Posts Additional Information Regarding Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund Distribution

Oct 21, 2020

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that $20 billion in new funding for providers, including eligible dentists, would be available in a Phase 3 General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund created under the CARES Act.

Short-Term Government Funding Bill Signed into Law

Oct 9, 2020

HHS Announces "Phase 3" Provider Relief Fund Distribution Opportunity

Oct 9, 2020

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that $20 billion in new funding for providers, including eligible dentists, would be available in a Phase 3 General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund created under the CARES Act.

Organized Dentistry Supports Model Patient Dental Care Bill of Rights

Oct 9, 2020

In an effort led by the American Dental Association (ADA), a group of dental organizations, including AGD, sent a letter on September 22 to the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) to support a Transparency in Dental Benefits Contracting model act. NCOIL's Health Insurance & Long Term Care Issues Committee considered the model act at a September 26 meeting.

House Passes Bill to Maintain NEMT Benefit

Oct 9, 2020

The House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass H.R.3935, the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act, on September 21. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Tom Graves (R-GA), and Sanford Bishop of (D-GA) introduced the bill in July 2019.

Final Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund Recipients

Sep 28, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released final reporting requirements for providers who received one or more payments exceeding $10,000 from the Provider Relief Fund. The reporting system will become available Jan. 15, 2021. Additionally, the department noted that recipients may be subject to auditing.

In the States

Sep 22, 2020

As the 2020-2021 state legislative session approaches, the Wisconsin AGD and Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) work to open regular communications around advocacy and discuss how the two organizations can partner as stakeholders in the oral health community.

U.S. Department of Labor Revises COVID-19 Paid Leave Rule Requirements

Sep 22, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted revisions on September 11 to regulations that implemented the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

AGD Comments on HRSA's HPSA Scoring Information Request

Sep 22, 2020

AGD submitted comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on September 18 regarding a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Scoring Criteria Request for Information (RFI).

Lawmakers Continue Push for COVID-19 Workplace Safety Tax Credits

Sep 22, 2020

On September 16, the Businesses Preparing for a Better Tomorrow Act (H.R. 8260) was introduced by Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) to help employers combat the spread of COVID-19 by providing tax incentives for qualified employee training on best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Narrowed GOP Stimulus Bill Defeated in Senate

Sep 22, 2020

On September 10, a Senate GOP pandemic relief package (S. 178) was blocked by Democrats in a 52 to 47 vote short of the 60 needed to advance the legislation for floor debate.

House Passes McCarran-Ferguson Repeal

Sep 22, 2020

The House of Representatives voted this week to pass the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1418), a bill to repeal the antiquated McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption granted to the health insurance industry decades ago.

In the States

Sep 10, 2020

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency. This has included providing resources, creating state-specific action alerts and helping compose and send letters to government entities that express concerns of general dentists within their state.

HHS Releases Rural Action Plan

Sep 10, 2020

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Rural Action Plan, following an August 3 executive order requesting that the HHS produce a report on existing and upcoming efforts to improve rural healthcare.

House Committee Advances Bill to Protect Patients with Congenital Anomalies

Sep 10, 2020

On September 9, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup session for 38 pieces of legislation, including H.R. 1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

AGD Endorses Small Business Comeback Act in Letter to Sponsors

Sep 10, 2020

In a September 8 letter to lead sponsors, AGD endorsed H.R. 7671, the Small Business Comeback Act. H.R. 7671 calls for the establishment of a Small Business Recovery Fund to help American businesses who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

AGD Comments on NASEM Framework for COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation

Sep 10, 2020

AGD submitted comments on September 4 to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in response to their Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine (2020).

Dr. White Urges CDC to Re-evaluate Dental Settings Guidance

Sep 10, 2020

AGD President, Dr. Connie White, DDS, FAGD, sent a letter on August 27 to the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Oral Health advocating for a return to May 2020 guidance language on N95 masks in its “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

In the States

Aug 28, 2020

The AGD and Wisconsin AGD sent a letter to the City of Madison Water Utility Board in advance of their August 25 meeting, and in support of community water fluoridation (CFW).

HHS Releases Healthy People 2030

Aug 28, 2020

On August 18, the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) released Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) – the 5th version of the Healthy People initiative.

House Committee Initiates Investigation into Health & Dental Insurers

Aug 28, 2020

The House Energy & Commerce Committee sent oversight letters to nine health and dental insurance companies on August 13, seeking information on their policies and practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

AGD Initiates Dialogue with the National Association of Dental Plans

Aug 28, 2020

The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) responded to AGD’s letter sent on July 7, and welcomed open communications between the organizations.

AGD Thanks Sponsors of Provider Relief Fund Tax Deductibility Bill

Aug 28, 2020

On August 13, AGD sent a letter to Reps. Cindy Axne (R-IA) and Neal Dunn (R-FL) expressing support for their recently introduced legislation, the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act of 2020 (H.R.7819).

In the States

Aug 12, 2020

Governor Chris Sununu recently signed HB 1639 into law: legislation that addresses non-covered dental services, among other health care-related issues.

HHS Extends Dental Provider Relief Fund Application Deadline

Aug 12, 2020

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) once again extended the deadline for both non-Medicaid and Medicaid/CHIP dental providers to apply for distribution under the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to August 28, 2020.

AGD Urges Congress and Administration to Create "Healthy Workplace" Tax Credit

Aug 12, 2020

AGD joined a coalition of stakeholders in sending letters to Administration officials and Congressional leadership that outline the importance of including a "healthy workplace" tax credit in the next COVID-19 relief package.

House Passes FY2021 Minibus Funding Package

Aug 12, 2020

On July 31, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a second minibus FY2021 appropriations package that provided funding for Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy & Water Development, Financial Services & General Government, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD (H.R.7617).

AGD Joins Broad Coalition to Advocate for PPP Loan Forgiveness Deductibility

Aug 12, 2020

Over 180 organizations, including AGD, sent a letter to House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) on August 4 that calls on them to ensure that expenses paid for with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are eligible for tax-deductibility.

Administration Moves Ahead in the Face of Stalled COVID-19 Relief Negotiations

Aug 12, 2020

President Trump signed Executive Orders on August 8 that delay the collection of payroll taxes, enact eviction protections, extend enhanced unemployment benefits, and provide student loan repayment options.

In the States

Jul 30, 2020

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency.

House Committee Advances NEMT Legislation

Jul 30, 2020

On July 15, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a legislative markup session to approve several pending bills, including H.R.3935, the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act.

HHS Extends Dental Provider Relief Fund Deadline

Jul 30, 2020

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently extended the deadline for both non-Medicaid and Medicaid/CHIP dental providers to apply for distribution under the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to August 3, 2020.

AGD Applauds Introduction of the Small Business Comeback Act

Jul 30, 2020

Representatives Filemon Vela (D-TX-34) and Lance Gooden (R-TX-05) recently introduced H.R. 7671, the Small Business Comeback Act, to help save American businesses as they are once again being asked to close their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Dental Coalition Outlines Priorities for Next COVID-19 Relief Bill

Jul 30, 2020

AGD joined allies in a July 17 Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) letter to Congressional leaders that calls on them to include policies that are a priority for dentistry in the next COVID-19 relief package.

In the States

Jul 16, 2020

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency. This has included providing resources, creating state-specific action alerts and helping compose and send letters to government entities that express concerns of general dentists within their state.

OSHA Publishes COVID-19 FAQs

Jul 16, 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) to help protect workers from exposure to the coronavirus on July 2.

PPP Loan Application Deadline Extended

Jul 16, 2020

On July 4, the President signed legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) into law, S. 4116.

IRS Publishes Guidance on Reporting COVID-19-Related Leave Wages

Jul 16, 2020

On July 8, the Treasury Dept. and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided guidance to employers requiring them to report the amount of qualified sick and family leave wages paid to employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on W-2 Forms.

AGD Endorses PPE Tax Credit Legislation

Jul 16, 2020

AGD officially endorsed the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act (H.R.7216) in a July 8 letter to the sponsors of the legislation.

HHS Opens Provider Relief Fund All Dentists Deemed Eligible

Jul 16, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on July 10 that an application is now open for dental providers who may not have previously been eligible to receive funding through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund.

House Appropriations Committee Advances 2021 Funding Bills

Jul 16, 2020

The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee held a markup for the fiscal year 2021 funding legislation on July 13, including the appropriations package for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS).

In the States

Jul 1, 2020

AGD Advocacy is continuously working with constituents to address issues as a result of the pandemic, such as advocating for PPE reimbursement and for dental practices to perform COVID-19 testing.

SBA and Treasury New PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications

Jul 1, 2020

On June 17, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury Department posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application as part of their implementation of the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020.

HHS Issues Final Section 1557 Rule Revisions

Jul 1, 2020

On June 19, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule to amend Section 1557 regulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Legislation Introduced to Create PPE Tax Credit

Jul 1, 2020

A bipartisan group of members of the House recently introduced H.R.7216 - the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act.

Updated CDC Dental Settings Guidance

Jul 1, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for Dental Settings: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response was updated on June 17.

In the States

Jun 18, 2020

Dentistry Coalition Sends Letter in Support of PPP for PPE Bill

Jun 18, 2020

AGD Holds Discussions with OSHA on Dental Care Guidance

Jun 18, 2020

AGD Weighs in with Congressional Committees Working on 2021 Funding Bills

Jun 18, 2020

HHS Opens Relief Fund for Medicaid/CHIP Providers

Jun 18, 2020

Paycheck Program Flexibility Act Signed into Law and SBA Issues Updated Guidance

Jun 18, 2020