Here are six new dentistry-related laws going into effect this year:
Editor’s note: This list is not exhaustive.
1. A teledentistry law aimed at improving dental care access and addressing provider shortages in Georgia took effect Jan. 1. House Bill 567 allows licensed dentists in Georgia to practice online dentistry, including for consultations, second opinions, triage, evaluations and referrals via teledentistry. The bill also permits dental benefits plans to provide coverage for teledentistry services.
2. CMS added an oral health incentive as part of its merit-based payment system. Under the final rule, which went into effect Jan. 1, physicians can integrate oral healthcare as part of the payment system. In order to qualify, physicians must complete training through the Smiles for Life online curriculum and take at least one step to integrate oral health into their practice, which can include creating a dental referral network, adding oral health questions to intake forms or performing intraoral screenings.
3. A new California law, which went into effect Jan. 1, bars private equity groups and hedge funds from taking several actions against healthcare professionals, including imposing patient quotas, interfering in referral decisions, dictating procedures and diagnostic tests and limiting patient interaction times.
4. A new California law, which goes into effect April 1, requires dental plans to provide dentists with clear and easy ways for dentists to opt in and out of virtual credit card payments. Under the law, dental plans cannot use any payment method that includes a fee as the default payment when reimbursing dentists. In addition, dental plans are now required to inform dental practices of alternative payment methods, how to select which payment option they want and any fees associated with each method. Dentists can continue to use VCCs as their primary method of payment if they choose, but can opt out at any time.
5. An Oklahoma law that went into effect Jan. 1 requires patients to complete an in-person exam with a dental professional before undergoing orthodontic treatment.
6. Georgia legislators enacted a law requiring patients to complete an in-person exam before undergoing orthodontic treatment. In addition to requiring in-person exams, the bill also authorizes dentists to offer teledentistry only if they have a physical office in the state and have established a referral relationship with another dentist who practices dentistry at a physical office in the state.
