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American Dental Education Association

Volume 3, No. 56, September 25, 2024
Congress Likely to Avoid Federal Government Shutdown

 

This week, Congress is likely to extend the spending authority of the federal government into December 2024, after last week’s defeat of legislation to extend this authority to continue to provide services into the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The authorization failed mostly over concerns about its effect on national defense and some extraneous provisions.

 

The extension will take the debate beyond the election and give Congress time to work out differences between the two houses after the election. Since this is happening quickly and all the details are not yet known, ADEA will report more about the provisions of the continuing resolution next week.

U.S. House Passes End Woke Higher Education Act

 

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R. 3724, “End Woke Higher Education Act”. The bill passed by a 213 - 201 by party-line vote.

 

The measure combines two Republican bills advanced along party lines by the House of Education and the Workforce Committee that address First Amendment rights at universities.

 

The is a combination bill comprised of H.R. 3724, “Accreditation for College Excellence Act” and H.R. 7683, “Respecting the First Amendment Act.”

 

H.R. 3724, the “Accreditation for College Excellence Act” would prohibit college accreditors from requiring colleges and universities to adopt diversity, equity and inclusion standards as a condition of accreditation. H.R. 7683, the “Respecting the First Amendment Act” would require colleges and universities to disclose their free speech policies to students and faculty—or risk losing their federal aid.

 

Though the bill was passed by the House, this bill will not likely be taken up by the Senate.

 

In a on Sept. 17, the Biden administration announced it opposes H.R. 3724.

U.S. Department of Education Delays Gainful Employment Reporting Date

 

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has the initial reporting date for the new financial transparency rules following significant pressure from associations, educators and lawmakers to extend the deadline. The Oct. 1, 2024, reporting date has been pushed back to Jan. 15, 2025.

 

Many colleges and universities cited the flawed roll out of ED’s new federal financial aid form (FAFSA) as a reason for delaying the due date. Given the fact that financial aid packages were significantly late due to problems caused by the FAFSA, colleges and universities are still closing out their current school year’s financial aid and lack the manpower needed to sufficiently meet the new rule’s reporting requirements.

 

The Department’s Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment rule is meant to help students choose degree or certificate programs that will not leave them burdened with unmanageable loans. New reporting requirements mandate that schools publicly post data showing graduates can afford their debt payments. If a program does not meet the gainful employment requirements for two consecutive years, it risks losing federal funding.

 

Higher education groups are advocating for further delays in the reporting due date.

Illinois Governor Signs Teledentistry Bill

 

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed into law new expanding the use of teledentistry and enhancing public health dental supervision across the state. The bill creates new requirements for licensed dentists who provide remote care to patients. Under the new requirements:

  • All patients seen through teledentistry must be patients of record, meaning the dentist has performed a physical examination within the last year.
  • All dentists must have obtained relevant records for the type of teledentistry service provided from an in-person examination within the previous 12 months, or have established a relationship with the patient through an exchange of protected health information for the purpose of providing emergency care, treatment or services.
  • Patients also must give informed consent before receiving treatment.
  • Dentists must follow specific protocols, including providing emergency care and advising on necessary in-person follow-ups.
  • The law prohibits providers from limiting patients' rights to review services or file complaints.

In addition, the law outlines the responsibilities of public health dental hygienists working under supervision agreements with dentists. These hygienists can perform certain procedures on patients who have not received a physical examination from a dentist, such as cleanings and x-rays, if they consult with a supervising dentist prior to performing the services. These hygienists are required to report annually on the services provided and complete additional training. This legislation aims to expand access to dental care for underserved communities and went into effect on Aug. 9, 2024.
New Jersey Board of Dentistry Proposes Changes to Requirements for Registered Dental Assistants

 

The New Jersey Board of Dentistry has changes to current registration requirements for registered dental assistants (RDAs). One of the key changes eliminates the requirement for applicants who complete a Board-approved expanded functions program to pass the New Jersey Expanded Functions Examination, offering an alternative pathway to registration. The rule revisions also clarify that applicants must still pass the Certified Dental Assistant Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and outline specific requirements for Board-approved expanded functions programs. These programs must include Commission on Dental Accreditation and regional accreditation, as well as a combination of didactic training, clinical instruction and a final written exam to ensure competency in expanded functions.

 

The proposed changes aim to simplify the registration process for RDAs by reducing redundancy in the regulations, improving clarity and expanding access to registration. The amendments are expected to have a positive economic impact by eliminating examination costs for some applicants while maintaining public safety standards through detailed program requirements.

 

The rule proposal is open for public comment, with a 60-day comment period provided for feedback. Comments are due by Friday, Nov. 15.

 

ADEA Advocacy in Action

This appears weekly in the ADEA Advocate to summarize and provide direct links to recent advocacy actions taken by ADEA. Please let us know what you think and how we might improve its usefulness.

 

Issues and Resources

  • ADEA on teledentistry
  • ADEA on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on U.S. Dental Schools
  • ADEA policy regarding overprescription of antibiotics
  • For a full list of ADEA memos, briefs and letters click .

The is published weekly. Its purpose is to keep ADEA members abreast of federal and state issues and events of interest to the academic dentistry and the dental and research communities.

 

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B. Timothy Leeth, CPA

ADEA Chief Advocacy Officer

 

Bridgette DeHart, J.D.

ADEA Director of Federal Relations and Advocacy

 

Phillip Mauller, M.P.S.

ADEA Senior Director of State Relations and Advocacy

 

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