AGD Capitol Connections

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Dec 7, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Held Hearing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Care

Dec 7, 2023

On November 29, 2023, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, Understanding How AI is Changing Health Care. Witnesses included representatives from hospitals, health care companies, and medical schools.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Calls on CMS to Notify States on Recent Medicare Changes for Oral Health Care Services

Dec 7, 2023

On November 28, 2023, Senator Dick Durbin sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the Administrator to notify states about the recent Medicare changes to oral health care services that were included in the 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System final rule.

AGD Virtual Advocacy Conference

Nov 27, 2023

The AGD will be holding a free virtual Advocacy Conference with two-half days on December 15 – 16, 2023. Earn 7.5 hours of CE and gain insight into the current legislative and regulatory landscape and how it may affect your practice. Hear from AGD members on today’s important issues and learn how you can make a difference at the state and federal levels.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Nov 22, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

President Biden Signs “Laddered” Continuing Resolution, Avoiding Government Shutdown

Nov 22, 2023

On November 16, 2023, President Biden signed a “laddered” continuing resolution (CR) into law, entitled the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 to avert a government shutdown as federal funding was set to expire on November 17, 2023.

Executive Order on The Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use Of AI

Nov 8, 2023

On October 30, 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order (EO) entitled, Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.

Senate HELP Committee Advances Nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli for NIH Director

Nov 8, 2023

On October 25, 2023, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee voted to advance the nomination of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli for Director for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by a vote of 15 to 6.

Representative Mike Johnson Elected as House Speaker and Moves Quickly on Legislative Agenda

Nov 8, 2023

On October 25, 2023, Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA-4) was elected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. All 220 Republicans voted in favor of his Speakership and 209 Democrats voted against him. The successful vote follows three weeks of turmoil.

FDA Establishes New Advisory Committee on Digital Health Technologies

Oct 25, 2023

On October 11, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the formation of the Digital Health Advisory Committee to aid the agency in regulating the development and use of digital health technologies (DHTs), including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

AGD Urges HRSA to Evaluate and Revise HPSA Designation Programs

Oct 25, 2023

On October 16, 2023, the AGD sent a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) urging the agency to evaluate and revise the existing dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) designation programs.

Historic Ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Oct 11, 2023

On October 3, 2023, the House of Representatives voted to vacate the seat of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a historic 216-210 vote. This marks the first time in history that a House speaker has been removed in this manner.

Government Shutdown Averted

Oct 11, 2023

On September 30, 2023, Congress passed a last-minute spending bill (H.R. 5860) averting a government shutdown. The 71-page bill was crafted by then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

U.S. Faces Potential Government Shutdown

Sep 27, 2023

The U.S. is on the verge of a government shutdown, with Congress facing a September 30, 2023, deadline to pass appropriations bills to fund the government. There are several options for Congress and the President during high-stakes negotiations over funding the federal government as the fiscal year (FY) comes to an end.

House E&C Committee Held Hearing on Legislative Proposals to Prevent and Respond to Generic Drug Shortages

Sep 27, 2023

On September 14, 2023, the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee held a legislative hearing entitled Legislative Proposals to Prevent and Respond to Generic Drug Shortages.

Senate Help Committee Considers Primary Care and Health Workforce Legislation

Sep 27, 2023

On September 21, 2023, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) held a markup of legislative proposals intended to boost primary care access and reauthorize programs addressing maternal morbidity and mortality and pediatric cancer research. The committee voted in favor of all four bills.

Senator Cassidy Requests Information on Improving Health Data Privacy

Sep 13, 2023

On September 7, 2023, Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee, requested information from stakeholders on how to enhance the privacy protections of health data to safeguard sensitive information while balancing the need to support medical research.

Senator Cassidy Releases White Paper and Request for Information On AI

Sep 13, 2023

On September 6, 2023, Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a white paper on artificial intelligence (AI) and the technology's potential benefits and risks to society.

House Ways and Means Committee Seeks Broad Stakeholder Input on Addressing Chronic Disparities in Access to Health Care in Rural and Underserved Communities

Sep 13, 2023

On September 7, 2023, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) released an open letter to the health care community requesting comments and input on addressing disparities in access to health care.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Aug 23, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

AGD exhibits at ALEC and NCSL Annual Meetings

Aug 23, 2023

In July, AGD exhibited at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) Annual Meeting in Orlando and in August AGD exhibited at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.

DEA Final Rule on Dispensing Narcotic Drugs

Aug 23, 2023

On August 7, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a final rule entitled, Dispensing of Narcotic Drugs to Relieve Acute Withdrawal Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder.

MATE Act Discussions

Aug 9, 2023

The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2021 is a law passed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, focused on training for prescribers of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment drugs and requires health care providers, including dentists, to complete a one-time training on managing patients with SUDs as a condition of receiving or renewing a registration to prescribe controlled substances.

Congressional Outlook for August and September 2023

Aug 9, 2023

On July 28, 2023, both the House of Representatives and the Senate entered the summer congressional district work period colloquially referred to as "August recess", which is a month-long period in which Members of Congress leave D.C. to travel back to their home states and districts.

Dental Organizations Urge NCOIL to Support MLR Legislation for Dental Plans

Aug 9, 2023

On July 19, 2023, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), along with several other dental organizations, sent a letter to the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Committee on Health Insurance & Long-Term Care Issues, urging them to adopt the Medical Loss Ratios (MLR) for Dental Health Care Services Plans Model Act (the Model Act).

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Jul 25, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

CMS Releases Annual Payment Rules

Jul 25, 2023

On July 13, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released two proposed rules, the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Proposed Rule (CMS 1786-P) and the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule (CMS-1784-P).

Dentists Urge House Members to Reauthorize Action for Dental Health (ADH)

Jul 25, 2023

On July 18, 2023, the AGD and other dental organizations sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6) urging them to reauthorize the Action for Dental Health (ADH) program (H.R. 3843, the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023) for 5 years (2024 through 2028).

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Jul 14, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

Senate Help Releases Staff Bipartisan Discussion Draft Legislation to Reauthorize PAHPA

Jul 14, 2023

On July 3, 2023, staff of Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mitt Romney (R-UT) released a staff-level bipartisan discussion draft to reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA).

States Continue Enacting Insurance Reforms

Jul 14, 2023

By the end of June most state legislatures have ended their sessions for 2023 and adjourned for the year. In addition to medical loss ratio legislation, dentists continued to advocate for insurance reform in the state capitols.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Jun 28, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Considers Dental Health

Jun 28, 2023

On June 14, 2023, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a legislative hearing entitled, Examining Proposals that Provide Access to Care for Patients and Support Research for Rare Diseases.

FY 2024 Appropriations Process Begins

Jun 28, 2023

This week Congress kicked off the fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations process with the first markups in the House. Each year, Congress aims to pass 12 separate appropriations bills to fund government programs.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Jun 14, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

Medical Loss Ratios for Dental Insurers

Jun 14, 2023

After the great success of Massachusetts Ballot Question 2 in November 2022, legislation dealing with medical loss ratios for dental insurers was introduced in twelve states this year and was enacted in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada and is still alive in Rhode Island.

USPSTF Releases Draft Oral Health Preventative Care Recommendations

Jun 14, 2023

On May 15, 2023, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a request for comments on a draft recommendation and draft evidence review on screening and preventive interventions for oral health in adults.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

May 30, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

Oral Health Now A CMS Cross-Cutting Initiative

May 30, 2023

On May 16, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Strategic Plan page to include a new Cross Cutting Initiative (CCI): Oral Health.

AGD Hill Day Highlights

May 30, 2023

On May 22nd and 23rd AGD leaders from around the country descended on our nation's capital to petition their government on behalf of general dentists. Below are a few attendee highlights.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

May 17, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

AGD Comments on the FTC Noncompete Proposal

May 17, 2023

On April 18, the AGD submitted a comment to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on their proposal to ban non-compete clauses. The proposed rule would affect one in five workers in the U.S. The AGD asked the FTC to immediately withdraw their proposal as many sections of the proposal require more research and development.

Experts at the CMS 2023 Quality Conference Address the Importance of Oral Health Care

May 17, 2023

On May 1-3, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the 2023 Quality Conference entitled, Building Resilient Communities: Having an Equitable Foundation for Quality Healthcare.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

May 2, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

AGD Responds to RFI on CDC Reform

May 2, 2023

On April 23, the AGD submitted a response to a Request For Information from Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks(IA-01) about reforming the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

MACPAC Discusses Dental Benefits in Medicaid

May 2, 2023

On April 13–14, 2023, the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) held its April Public Meeting, including a session entitled, Access to Covered Dental Benefits for Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries: Panel Discussion.

Help Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Apr 19, 2023

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Health Prioritizes Oral Health

Apr 19, 2023

On March 29, 2023, the Senate Committee on Finance’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled, An Oral Health Crisis: Identifying and Addressing Health Disparities.

End of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency

Apr 19, 2023

On March 29, the Senate passed HJ Res 7, which would terminate the President’s National Emergencies Act (NEA) declaration regarding the COVID-19 national emergency.

REDI Act and Student Loan Forgiveness

Apr 4, 2023

On February 27, 2023, Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) reintroduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act or the REDI Act. This bill would allow borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments, interest-free, until the completion of their programs.

Reintroducing Oral Health Literacy in Congress

Apr 4, 2023

On February 14, 2023, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ray Luján (D-NM) and Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), reintroduced the bipartisan Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023.

AGD Leaders Meet With Senior Administration Health Officials

Mar 22, 2023

Over the past two weeks, AGD leadership held virtual meetings with Senior Administration Health Officials to discuss AGD’s advocacy priorities and opportunities for collaboration and federal engagement.

U.S. Senate Discusses Health Care Workforce Shortages

Mar 22, 2023

On February 21, 2023, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing entitled, Examining Health Care Workforce Shortages: Where Do We Go from Here? The hearing examined the current and anticipated workforce shortages among health care personnel and addressed potential ways to mitigate the shortages.