In the States
AGD Advocacy is continuously working with constituents to address issues as a result of the pandemic, such as advocating for PPE reimbursement and for dental practices to perform COVID-19 testing.
SBA and Treasury New PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications
On June 17, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury Department posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application as part of their implementation of the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020.
HHS Issues Final Section 1557 Rule Revisions
On June 19, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule to amend Section 1557 regulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Legislation Introduced to Create PPE Tax Credit
A bipartisan group of members of the House recently introduced H.R.7216 - the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act.
Updated CDC Dental Settings Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for Dental Settings: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response was updated on June 17.
In the States
Dentistry Coalition Sends Letter in Support of PPP for PPE Bill
AGD Holds Discussions with OSHA on Dental Care Guidance
AGD Weighs in with Congressional Committees Working on 2021 Funding Bills
HHS Opens Relief Fund for Medicaid/CHIP Providers
Paycheck Program Flexibility Act Signed into Law and SBA Issues Updated Guidance
In The States
Ohio legislators have moved HB 11 to the Senate after it was passed through the House in June.
Senate Appropriators Release Draft Labor-HHS Legislation
Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), chairman of the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, revealed draft legislative text and report language for FY 2020 spending within the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services.
House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee Examines Dental Care Legislation
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee's Health Subcommittee held a legislative hearing on September 11th, to consider twelve pieces of legislation related to health policy across the VA system.
Policy Brief Examines Options to Deliver Oral Health Service to Medicare Population
Policy Options for Improving Dental Coverage for People on Medicare was published by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) on September 18th, to provide information and guide discussion on potential ways to make oral health care more available and affordable for the Medicare population.
HRSA Awards Over $85 Million in Health Center Grants for Oral Health
On September 18th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded grants of up to $300,000 to 298 health centers across the country to improve their oral health services infrastructure.
White House and Congress Escalate Fight Against Youth Vaping
Amid recent accounts of vaping-related deaths and illnesses currently being investigated by the CDC, both the Trump Administration and members of Congress are escalating their efforts to combat the youth vaping epidemic.