3 things you missed in government this week

Utah’s fluoride ban, DOC Access Act, DDH Compact hearings

“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These brief updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy.

Here is a roundup of some of the latest happenings in government that you may have missed this week:

1.     The Utah House and Senate passed a bill that would prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems, not allowing municipalities to decide for themselves whether to include the mineral. House Bill 81 awaits Gov. Spencer Cox’s signature, but organizations like the ADA and Utah Dental Association have sent letters urging him to veto the bill. If the legislation passes, Utah will become the first state to place a complete ban on community water fluoridation.

2.     A bill was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to curb the practice allowing dental plans to set fees for services in which the plans have no financial liability. Known as the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act, which the ADA has supported for years, the bipartisan legislation would limit noncovered services provisions in dental and vision plans and complements laws that have passed in 43 states.

3.     Missouri, Oklahoma and Oregon held hearings discussing the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which supports license portability by allowing professionals to practice in participating compact states without having to obtain individual licenses. The Missouri and Oklahoma bills were voted out of committee. Nebraska’s Dentist and Dental Hygienist bill was folded into another dental-related bill and has advanced to the final stage of passage.