15 Jan 2021 Legislative Update-Week 2
January 15, 2021
IDA Testifies in Support of SB 03
Even though this year’s legislative session may look different, it’s certainly just as productive. This week IDA Director of Government Affairs Shane Springer and IDA Member Dr. Shaun Matthews testified in front of the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee; speaking in support of SB 03, which deals with various telehealth matters. The IDA thanks Dr. Matthews for his time, his excellent testimony, and his devotion to being an informed advocate for his profession—Indiana is very fortunate to have him. The bill is still in committee, but it has received broad support from organizations across the state.
COVID Liability Legislation
In addition, both version of the COVID Liability bill (SB 1 and HB 1002) are making their way through their respective houses. SB 1 passed out of the Judiciary Committee and will now be voted on by the Senate as a whole in the coming days. Both versions of the bill provide civil immunity for damages resulting from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 in various circumstances. The IDA will be watching this bill with great interest, as similar legislation has been successfully passed in other states.
IDA Watching SB 330
On a less positive note, SB 330 was introduced this week. The bill, carried by Senator Ronald Grooms, adds dental therapists and advanced dental therapists to the dental practitioners who are eligible for grants under the proposed Indiana Dental Recruitment Fund. The bill also provides for the licensure of dental therapists and the certification of licensed dental therapists as advanced dental therapists, and specifies the services and procedures that may be performed by a dental therapist and an advanced dental therapist. The IDA is already working to stop this bill, but may call on you and your colleagues for assistance. Click here to read the full text of the bill.
As always, thank you for being a member of the IDA. Your membership and participation are essential to our organization and we will continue our fight for Indiana dentists.
Get Involved
Contact IDA Director of Government Affairs Shane Springer
Sign up for our Legislative Alerts
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.