In Arizona, a coalition of nine Native American and public health organizations known as Dental Care for Arizona has submitted a proposal, known as a sunrise application, to the Arizona legislature seeking to authorize dental therapists in the state.  A legislative committee will study the proposal and make a recommendation to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2017.

Dental Care for Arizona submitted a similar proposal in 2016, which failed to advance after being heard by committee.  In Arizona, sunrise applications are a mechanism through which health professions can request an expansion in scope of practice.

In Texas, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has proposed significant cuts to the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rates, including codes related to preventative care.  The proposed cuts are set to take effect on October 1, 2017.

If you would like more information on legislative matters in your state, or are interested in carrying out advocacy on AGD issues, please contact us at advocacy@agd.org or visit the AGD’s Advocacy webpage.