AGD Capitol Connections

House Votes to Pass the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act

Dec 8, 2021

On November 30, H.R.1550, the Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for (PREVENT) HPV Cancers Act of 2021 was passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives.

AGD Asks Congress to Prioritize Oral Health Policies in FY2022 Funding Package Negotiations

Dec 8, 2021

Following the release of the Senate's Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 spending bill proposals, AGD sent a letter to leaders of relevant House and Senate funding subcommittees to reaffirm support for funding critical oral health programs.

AGD-Backed Oral Health Literacy Legislation Passed in the House

Dec 8, 2021

On December 8, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to unanimously pass AGD-backed legislation, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021 (H.R.4555). The legislation resulted from a multi-year AGD advocacy initiative and considerable collaboration with AGD's allies in Congress.

Oral Health Literacy Legislation Considered by House Committee

Nov 17, 2021

On November 17, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding a markup session for pending legislation, including the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act (H.R.4555).

Congress Waits on Cost Estimates for Social Spending Package

Nov 17, 2021

Consideration of President Biden's broad social spending package, the Build Back Better Act (H.R.5376), in the U.S. House of Representatives is paused pending the release of cost scoring estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

OSHA and CMS Issue Workplace COVID-19 Vaccine Rules

Nov 17, 2021

On November 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published corresponding regulations on COVID-19 vaccination policies in the workplace.

Dental Coalition Sends Letter to Congress in Support of Oral Health Literacy Legislation

Nov 3, 2021

In an effort spearheaded by AGD, the Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) recently sent a letter to the leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its respective Health Subcommittee in support of the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act (H.R.4555). The letter was delivered ahead of the Health Subcommittee's October 20 hearing on "Enhancing Public Health: Legislation to Protect Children And Families", during which the AGD's President, Dr. Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD, testified on the subject of oral health literacy and in support of the H.R.4555.

White House Framework Excludes Medicare Dental Expansion

Nov 3, 2021

On October 28, the White House released its framework for the Build Back Better Act budget reconciliation package with a topline cost of $1.75 trillion. Notably, the framework removed a proposal to create a dental benefit under Medicare Part B that was previously included in legislation under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Size of Budget Reconciliation Package Expected to Shrink

Oct 19, 2021

On October 11, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a "dear colleague" letter outlining her perspective on the path forward for the Build Back Better Act, the "human infrastructure" package expected to total between $1.5 – $3.5 trillion in spending on a broad range of programs.

OSHA COVID-19 ETS on Employee Vaccination and Testing Requirements Expected Soon

Oct 19, 2021

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent a COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) on October 12 for regulatory review.

AGD President to Testify Before Congress on Oral Health Literacy

Oct 19, 2021

On October 20, AGD's President, Dr. Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD, will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health in support of the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act (H.R.4555).

HRSA Holding Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund Webinars

Oct 7, 2021

HRSA recently posted additional information and resources regarding the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments and announced several guidance webinar sessions for providers who may apply for the funding.

Congress to Continue Budget Reconciliation Package Negotiations Through October

Oct 7, 2021

Tumultuous interparty negotiations over Democrat's $3.5 trillion Budget Reconciliation package, the Build Better Back Act, resulted in the anticipated House vote last week on the $550 billion bipartisan physical infrastructure package being delayed.

Organized Dentistry Thanks Sponsor of Bill to Address Postgraduate Student Loan Interest Crisis

Oct 7, 2021

In an effort led by the American Dental Association, AGD and other members of the Organized Dentistry Coalition sent a letter to Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) in support of her legislation H.R.4631, the Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt (POST GRAD) Act.

FDA to Hold Workshop on Mandatory Prescriber Education for Opioids

Sep 22, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on September 8 that it would be conducting a two-day public workshop, "Reconsidering Mandatory Opioid Prescriber Education Through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) in an Evolving Opioid Crisis," to allow stakeholders to provide input on aspects of the current opioid crisis that could be mitigated measurably by requiring mandatory prescriber education as part of a REMS.

Additional HRSA Provider Relief Fund Distribution Announced

Sep 22, 2021

On September 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that an additional $25.5 billion in new funding would be made available through HRSA's Provider Relief Fund to health care providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Committees Vote to Advance Medicare Dental Benefits Expansion

Sep 22, 2021

The House Ways & Means Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee voted on September 10 and 15 to pass portions of the Democrats' $3.5 trillion "human infrastructure" Budget Reconciliation package, the Build Back Better Act. These two Committees included a proposal to expand Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing benefits in their portions of the package.

Dental Coalition Urges Support for PREVENT HPV Cancers Act

Sep 8, 2021

AGD signed on to an Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) letter that was sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in support of H.R.1550, the Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for (PREVENT) HPV Cancers Act. The letter called for the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act to be brought to the House floor for a vote and communicated the ODC’s strong support for the legislation.

CMS Announces First-ever Chief Dental Officer

Sep 8, 2021

On August 30, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Dr. Natalia Chalmers, D.D.S., would be its first-ever Chief Dental Officer (CDO) in the Office of the Administrator.

Coalition of Dental Organizations Voice Opposition to Medicare Dental Benefits Expansion

Sep 8, 2021

On September 1, a group of 11 allied dental organizations, including AGD, ADA, and AAOMS, sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House and Senate, as well as relevant Congressional Committees, urging them to reconsider legislative proposals that would expand Medicare to include a dental benefit.

AGD Tells All of Congress to Consider the Ramifications of Expanding Medicare

Sep 8, 2021

AGD’s President, Dr. Bruce Cassis, D.D.S., MAGD, sent a letter to every member of the U.S. House and Senate on September 7, asking them to consider the unforeseen and significant consequences of expanding Medicare to include dental benefits.

Urge Your Representative and Senators to Oppose Expanding Medicare to Include Dental

Sep 8, 2021

It is critical for you to register your opposition NOW with your elected officials. Urge them to consider the unforeseen and significant consequences for patients and providers that enacting an unsound policy to expand Medicare to include dental benefits may yield.

AGD Files Comments on OSHA’s COVID-19 Healthcare ETS

Aug 24, 2021

AGD submitted official comments to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on August 20, responding to certain aspects of OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for Occupational Exposure to COVID–19.

Dentistry Coalition Support Legislation to Incentivize Hiring of Service Members

Aug 24, 2021

AGD joined Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) members in sending letters to the House and Senate sponsors of S.1178/H.R.1854, the Reserve Employers Comprehensive Relief and Uniform Incentives on Taxes (RECRUIT Act).

AGD and AGD Foundation Call for Vote on the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act

Aug 24, 2021

On August 11, AGD and the AGD Foundation sent a letter in support of H.R.1550, the Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for (PREVENT) HPV Cancers Act of 2021, to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

House Returns from Recess to Vote on Budget Resolution

Aug 24, 2021

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington D.C. on August 23 to begin considering the adoption of a budget framework that would set the stage for their $3.5 trillion social spending and tax bill, a multi-year physical infrastructure package, and a voting rights bill.

Bill Introduced to Provide Consistent Adult Dental Benefit Through Medicaid

Jul 29, 2021

On July 19, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act (H.R.4439), which would require all state Medicaid programs to provide mandatory adult dental and oral health services.

House Appropriations Committee Advances 2022 Funding Bills

Jul 29, 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2022 funding legislation on July 15 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS). As anticipated, the Committee has included funding for vital oral health-related programs and provisions in the FY2022 Labor-HHS package (H.R.4502).

New Medicare Dental Expansion Proposals Introduced in Congress

Jul 29, 2021

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act (H.R.4311) from Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and the Medicare Dental Coverage Act (H.R.4650) from Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) were both recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both bills would expand Medicare Part B coverage to include comprehensive dental and oral health services.

AGD-Backed Oral Health Literacy Legislation Reintroduced in the House

Jul 29, 2021

On July 20, Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) reintroduced H.R.4555, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021.

AGD and Allies Urge Congress to Protect FDA Oversight of Tobacco Products

Jul 15, 2021

A broad coalition of health stakeholders led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids sent a letter on June 30 to the leaders of the House Committee on Appropriations urging them to oppose any efforts to weaken FDA’s authority over cigars or any other tobacco products. The coalition included AGD along with other groups like ADA, AMA, and the American Lung Association.

Joint Dentist-Physician Support Letter for the REDI Act

Jul 15, 2021

AGD joined a coalition of dentist and physician organizations in sending a letter thanking the sponsors of the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, H.R.4122. This effort was spearheaded by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).

HHS Opens Provider Relief Fund Reporting Portal

Jul 15, 2021

Providers who received Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments during Reporting Period 1 (April 10, 2020 – June 30, 2020) are now able to submit post-payment reporting process information through the PRF Reporting Portal. These providers have until September 10, 2021, to complete the reporting process.

AGD Members Virtually “Travel” to Capitol Hill to Advocate for General Dentistry

Jul 15, 2021

On July 13, AGD advocacy leaders gathered for AGD’s 2021 Virtual Hill Day event to meet with their members of Congress and discuss AGD priority legislative issues.

Biden Administration Publishes Spring Regulatory Agenda

Jun 30, 2021

The White House recently released the outline of regulatory-related actions it plans to take in the coming months within the Spring 2021 Unified Agenda.

Bill to Assist New Dentists with Student Loan Debt Reintroduced

Jun 30, 2021

On June 24, Rep. Brian Babin, DDS (R-TX), reintroduced the bipartisan Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act (H.R.4122).

AGD Leads Organized Dentistry in Support of Bill to Improve Dental Care for Foster Youth

Jun 30, 2021

AGD led a coalition of 15 dental organizations in sending a letter of support to Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) on June 28 for her bipartisan legislation, the Foster Youth Dental Act of 2021 (H.R.1794).

Register for AGD Virtual Hill Day

Jun 30, 2021

AGD Hill Day is an opportunity for member dentists and dental students to meet with their members of Congress and discuss AGD priority legislative issues. This year, the event will be entirely virtual, beginning with guest speakers and advocacy training on Thursday, July 8, and Virtual Hill Day meetings on Tuesday, July 13.

Legislation Introduced to Authorize Funding for Primary Care Medical and Dental Residency Programs

Jun 17, 2021

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, recently introduced the Doctors of Community (DOC) Act (H.R.3671/S.1958), which would authorize substantial funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program through 2033.

Updated Provider Relief Fund Reporting Guidance Issued

Jun 17, 2021

On June 11, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued revised reporting requirements (press release) for health care providers who received funding from the Provider Relief Fund.

AGD Supports Bill to Assist HIV Health Workforce with Student Debt

Jun 17, 2021

AGD sent a letter of support to Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), thanking her for reintroducing H.R.2295, the HIV Epidemic Loan-Repayment Program (HELP) Act, on June 9.

OSHA Releases COVID-19 Protection Standard for Health Care Settings

Jun 17, 2021

On June 10, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) describing specifically what certain health care industry employers must do to protect their workers from exposure to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

CDC Updates Guidance on Mask Wearing for Fully Vaccinated People

Jun 2, 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on Thursday, May 13, that recommends that fully vaccinated individuals can stop wearing masks in most non-healthcare settings.

Congressional Democrats Seek Input on Public Health Insurance Option

Jun 2, 2021

On May 26, Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced their plans to develop legislation to establish a federally administered public option for health coverage.

President Biden Releases FY2022 Budget

Jun 2, 2021

President Joe Biden put forward his proposed FY2022 budget on May 28, which would amount to approximately $6 trillion in government spending. The budget accounts for many of the provisions the President has detailed in his American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan.

NIDCR Says Oral Health in America Report to be Published this Fall

Jun 2, 2021

On May 26, the Director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), Dr. Rena D’Souza, announced that the twenty-year follow-up report to Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General will be released in the fall of 2021.

AGD Supports Legislation Reintroduced to Address Noncovered Services Issue

Jun 2, 2021

AGD sent letters of support to the House and Senate sponsors of the DOC Access Act on May 26, thanking them for taking the lead on this critical piece of legislation.

AGD Supports FSA Improvement Legislation

May 12, 2021

The AGD sent a letter of support to the sponsors of the Responsible Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee (RAISE) Health Benefits Act on May 10.

OSHA's COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard Expected Very Soon

May 12, 2021

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has sent its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review, a step before the ETS is made public.

AGD-Backed Coalition Calls for Release of 2020 Surgeon General Report on Oral Health

May 12, 2021

AGD, along with allies from organized dentistry and other health stakeholders, sent a letter that was spearheaded by the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. on May 5, requesting a quick release of the pending 2020 Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health.

AGD Joins Coalition to Urge President Biden to Support Healthy Workplace Tax Credit

May 12, 2021

On May 5, AGD signed on to a letter along with a coalition of organizations and businesses representing millions of employees urging President Biden and his administration to support the bipartisan Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit Act (S.537/H.R.1944) to protect the safety of workers, customers and the public. The bipartisan bill would create a tax credit for qualified expenses that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

FDA Announces Plan to Ban Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars

May 3, 2021

On April 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be advancing two tobacco product standards to significantly reduce disease and death from using combusted tobacco products, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

IRS Provides Safe Harbor Tax Guidance on PPP Loan Business Expense Deductions

May 3, 2021

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Revenue Procedure 2021-20 PDF on April 22 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of tax relief legislation in December of 2020.

Congressional Democrats Push Biden to Include Medicare Expansion in Relief Plan

May 3, 2021

President Joe Biden detailed his "American Families Plan" (fact sheet) in a speech to Congress on Wednesday, April 28. The President's plan will seek to expand federal support for lower-income and middle-class Americans, offset by a series of tax increases on wealthy Americans' incomes, investments, and estates.

Drug Pricing Reform Measure Reintroduced in House

May 3, 2021

On April 22, the House Democratic leaders reintroduced H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The legislation would allow the federal government to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs and cap seniors' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year.

House Committee Plans Hearing on Anticompetitive Practices in Health Care Markets

May 3, 2021

On April 29, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law is holding a hearing at 1:00 pm (ET) entitled "Treating the Problem: Addressing Anticompetitive Conduct and Consolidation in Health Care Markets."

AGD Congratulates Asst. Health Secretary Levine on Senate Confirmation

Apr 15, 2021

On March 30, AGD sent a letter to Rachel L. Levine, M.D. congratulating her on being confirmed by the Senate to serve as the 17th Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Progressives Call for Medicare Dental Expansion in American Jobs Plan

Apr 15, 2021

On April 9, the nearly 100-member Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) announced five key policy recommendations the lawmaker group is advocating to be included in President Biden’s proposed American Jobs Plan.

House to Vote on Healthcare Workplace Violence Legislation

Apr 15, 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on and pass the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R.1195). The legislation directs OSHA to issue a safety and health standard that would require certain health care and social service sector employers to implement workplace violence prevention plans.

AGD and Organized Dentistry Coalition Support Bill to Improve Dental Coverage for Vulnerable Children

Apr 15, 2021

AGD and other members of the Organized Dentistry Coalition recently sent a letter of support to Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for the Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act (S.448).

AGD Congratulates U.S. Surgeon General Murthy on Senate Confirmation

Apr 1, 2021

On March 24, AGD sent a letter to Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., MBA, congratulating him on being confirmed by the Senate to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States.

AGD Issues Support for Legislation to Improve Medicaid Dental Care for Foster Youth

Apr 1, 2021

AGD sent a letter of support to Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) on March 25 for her bipartisan legislation, the Foster Youth Dental Act of 2021 (H.R.1794).

Senator Calls for Medicare Dental Benefit to be Included in Infrastructure Package

Apr 1, 2021

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) told reporters on March 26 that he is urging the Administration and his Democratic colleagues in Congress to include a massive expansion of the Medicare program as part of a sweeping infrastructure package Democrats are currently developing.

AGD Urges Appropriations Committees to Increase Funding to Fight Tobacco-Use

Apr 1, 2021

AGD joined allies in sending letters to the leaders of the House and Senate subcommittees that allocate funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), calling for $310 million in funding in FY2022 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH).

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Protect Patients with Congenital Anomalies

Apr 1, 2021

On March 16, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (R-CA) and Drew Ferguson, D.M.D. (R-GA) reintroduced ELSA, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (H.R.1916/S.754).

Senators Introduce Bill to Expand Dental Coverage for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Mar 18, 2021

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) recently introduced the Oral Health for Moms Act (S.560).

AGD Joins Massive Coalition Calling for PPP Extension

Mar 18, 2021

AGD joined hundreds of allied organizations in an effort led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to have the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) extended beyond its current end-of-month expiration date.

Sixth COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed into Law

Mar 18, 2021

On March 11, President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R.1319), a massive $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid package passed using the budget reconciliation process in Congress. No Republicans in the House or Senate voted in favor of the legislation.

AGD Supports Legislation to Create Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit

Mar 18, 2021

AGD send a letter of support to Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) on March 5 for their bipartisan legislation, the Healthy Workplaces Act (S.537). The bill would create a tax credit for qualified expenses that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

HHS Authorizes Dentists and Dental Students to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines Nationwide

Mar 18, 2021

Effective March 11, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the seventh amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to authorize dentists and dental students to administer COVID-19 vaccines in all 50 states.

Dental Faculty Student Loan Bill Reintroduced

Mar 4, 2021

Representatives Yvette Clark (D-NY) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) have reintroduced a bill to improve the dental faculty loan repayment program, the Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act (H.R.1285/S.449).

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Single-dose J&J Vaccine

Mar 4, 2021

On February 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the third vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The EUA allows the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Stimulus Package Moves to Senate for Consideration

Mar 4, 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R.1319) on February 27, along a party-line vote. The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus proposal will now be taken up in the Senate, where the package will be revised to remove a provision that would increase the federal minimum wage to $15/hour.

New Bill Introduced to Improve Dental Coverage for Vulnerable Children

Mar 4, 2021

Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bill on February 25 to improve dental insurance coverage available to children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Legislation Reintroduced to Provide Dental Care to All Veterans

Feb 18, 2021

Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) reintroduced the Dental Care for Veterans Act (H.R.914) on February 12. The bill would eliminate the current statutory eligibility restrictions for VA dental care and expand eligibility for VA dental care to all veterans enrolled in the system.

NASEM Strongly Recommends Revisions to NTP’s Second Draft Monograph on Fluoride Exposure Hazards

Feb 18, 2021

On February 9, the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released a review of the Revised National Toxicology Program (NTP) Monograph on the Systematic Review of Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Health Effects.

House Committees Advance Components of COVID-19 Relief Package

Feb 18, 2021

A pandemic relief package could get a House floor vote by the end of the month, with House authorizing committees finishing the initial drafting efforts to turn President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion proposal, the American Rescue Plan, into legislative text.

AGD Congratulates Newly Assigned CDC Director

Feb 4, 2021

On January 20, AGD sent a letter to Dr. Rochelle Walensky congratulating her on her recent selection by President Biden to be the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The CDC Director position does not require Senate confirmation.

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Develops the Third COVID-19 Vaccine to be Considered by U.S. Regulatory Authorities

Feb 4, 2021

The J&J vaccine division, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, reports that their vaccine is 66% protective against moderate to severe COVID-19 infection in a multi-country study.

President Biden Issues Executive Orders on COVID Response

Feb 4, 2021

After his January 20 inauguration, President Joe Biden issued a series of Executive Orders (EOs) in the first days of his term, aiming to advance his Administration’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and other priorities.

AGD Joins Broad Coalition Calling on Congress to Provide COVID-19 Liability Protections

Feb 4, 2021

AGD and over 500 organizations sent a joint coalition letter to Congress on February 1, urging lawmakers to consider including targeted and temporary liability protections in the next COVID relief package.

HHS Amends PREP Act to Bolster Vaccinator Workforce

Feb 4, 2021

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a fifth amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) on January 28 to add additional categories of qualified persons authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines.

Legislation Introduced to Expand Medicare to Include Dental Benefits

Feb 4, 2021

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2021 (S.97/H.R.502)(text) on January 28.

U.S. Treasury Announces Next Round of PPP Loans

Jan 21, 2021

The U.S. Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) rolled out a new round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last week. Businesses will be able to use PPP funding over a period of eight to 24 weeks. This new round is said to be more flexible and clearly defined than the previous round of loans.

Biden Publishes COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Fact Sheet

Jan 21, 2021

President Biden released high-level details of his COVID-19 vaccination plan on January 15, following public remarks (written) that came a day after the release of his coronavirus relief plan.

McCarran-Ferguson Exemption Repeal Becomes Law

Jan 21, 2021

The Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1418) was signed into law on January 13. The law repeals the antiquated McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption granted to the health insurance industry decades ago.

Product Recall Alert

Jan 5, 2021

AGD Members- Before reading this week's Capitol Connections, please take a moment to review the following information regarding a product recall alert:

Congress Passes Repeal of McCarran-Ferguson Exemptions

Jan 5, 2021

The U.S. Senate recently voted on December 22 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.

CDC Clarifies that Dentists and Dental Personnel Included in Initial Phase of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Recommendation

Jan 5, 2021

On December 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC provided updated examples of its definition of "healthcare personnel (HCP)" that it recommends be among those offered the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

117th Congress Convenes with Pending Senate Elections Set to Determine Balance of Power

Jan 5, 2021

The 117th Congress officially began on January 3, which will reset the legislative docket and entail members of Congress introducing new legislation and reintroducing many bills that were not enacted into law over the last two years.