UPCOMING NEWS FOR THE ANNUAL SESSION IN JUNE:
Resolution to reduce the House of Delegates by 1/3
We go from 3/102 to 2/68. The percentage share for us remains at 0.0294117% so we are generally unaffected by this proposal.
Proposal for a bylaws change to allow the TDA to add an Associate Executive Director
No current plans, but want the freedom to allow it if/when the day should come that the BOT sees fit to hire such a person.
Proposal for merging the Annual Sessions Committee and Council on Scientific Affairs/Continuing Education
ADA NEWS:
Student loan refinancing is a major issue.
There is talk of coverage for birth defects, details not yet fleshed out.
We still want repeal of the McCarran Ferguson Act.
TDA NEWS:
News is lurking about potential savings, stay tuned.
No Journal of the TDA has been named as of now.
There is no dues increase this year.
The Wellness Committee has been sunset as they are leaving our domain and becoming the Wellness Foundation with their office in Murfreesboro.
The Anesthesia/Sedation/Scope of Practice Committee welcomes a dental anesthesiologist. They are also sending to the Board of Dentistry their recommendation that RDAs be allowed to administer and monitor nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation upon completion the same 14 hour course that RDHs take in compliance with the 2016 ADA Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation… This is the first step towards change.
The Volunteer Service Awards have been eliminated.
TDA MEWA will expand to potentially cover other lives. We are looking to expand to allow the chiropractors.
LEGAL NEWS:
There is no movement on several fluoride bills, both pro and anti.
It is still unlikely the Professional Privilege Tax will be removed.
There is no movement on a bill to allow dental school educators to be on the BOD
The bill to allow RDHs to Rx fluorides, etc. with BOD oversight, direct supervision of the dentist and their 30 day review has PASSED the House
There is a bill aimed at cleaning up the opioid law so that pharmacies do not harass us about 180 MME/3 days. It will clear up partial fills, extensions for trauma and burns, etc.
It does not look like the physician exemption from jury duty bill is going well. We were going to piggyback on that if it was.
There is a MEWA bill that will not affect the TDA MEWA.
The medical insurance “Right to Shop” bill has us amended out. This one needs particular watching as it may come back.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
A. Carroccia
