The 2024 Legislative Session has concluded. See below for our achievements. As we prepare for the next session, please make it a point to get involved. CODPAC represents the "Tooth Party" and supports legislators, regardless of political party, who represent dentists and the issues affecting them. They make it possible for us to advocate for members like you!
Get Involved!
Our Victories:
Dental Anesthesia Statutes (House Bill 5290)
Public Act No. 24-68 revises the dental anesthesia statutes, eliminating permit requirements for minimal sedation while requiring permits for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. Permits necessitate an on-site evaluation, adherence to ADA guidelines, and a $200 fee, with annual renewals based on evaluations and fee payment.
The Act mandates specific equipment, personnel, and emergency medications for facilities, as specified by the commissioner in consultation with the Anesthesia Committee of the Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The commissioner will establish and enforce regulations, with the authority to deny or revoke permits based on disciplinary actions, enhancing safety and compliance.
Public Health Committee Public Hearing Anesthesia Testimonies 3/1/24
Dr. William MacDonnell
Dr. John Hillgen
Dr. Michael Safian, CSDA Immediate Past President
Dr. David Barton
CONNIE (Health Information Exchange – Senate Bill 1)
Public Act No. 24-19 enhances liability protections for healthcare providers in case of HIE data breaches, provided they comply with privacy laws. It sets deadlines for hospitals and clinical labs to adopt EHR systems compatible with the HIE within one year, and other healthcare providers within two years, ensuring these systems meet strict privacy and security standards. The Act mandates the Office of Health Strategy to establish secure data exchange policies, including regular audits. The CSDA is collaborating with the CONNIE coalition to address potential cost impacts on dental practices due to these requirements.
Department of Developmental Service Bill Ensuring Access to Special Needs Patients (House Bill 5293)
The bill authorizes the Oral Health and Dental Services Unit to offer dental care to individuals with intellectual disabilities at specified dental offices within any DDS service region. These services must be tailored to meet individual needs and provided by qualified dentists or dental hygienists. The DDS commissioner is permitted to contract with licensed dentists or those with provisional licenses to fulfill these responsibilities.
2024 Session Priorities & Testimonies
Medical Loss Ratio
As little as 40% of dental patient insurance premiums go to dental care. As much as 60% goes to insurance company overhead - such as administration, marketing, and company profits. That's really out of whack!
Connecticut residents deserve better.
Insurance and Real Estate Public Hearing MLR Testimonies 3/14/24
Dr. Michael Safian, CSDA Immediate Past President
Dr. Marykate Conboy
Dr. David Fried
Chad Olson, ADA Director of State Government Affairs
Joint Contract Negotiations
Imagine a world where you could talk to your local or state dentists about contract negotiations, without incurring antitrust violations. Imagine telling an insurance company that you will take a cost-of-living allowance every year rather than a 30% decrease. Imagine you could tell an insurance company that they must answer the phone and talk to you without a 3 hour on-hold time. That is what this is about.
Other 2024 Testimonies
Human Services Committee Public Hearing
CSDA Executive Director Kathlene Gerrity testified on Medicaid on March 12, 2024. View testimony.
Public Health Committee Public Hearing
Dr. David Fried testified in support of H.B. 5293: ACC DDS proposed revisions regarding various public health statutes. In agreement with the Bill as it is written, trusting the DPH, the Dental Board and DSS have fully vetted the individuals through proper credentials and protecting the public to ensure qualified care. View testimony.
