Page 30 - Bulletin Vol 28 No 2 - May - Aug. 2023 FINAL

News |

In Our Society | Legislative Update (Cont.)

Below is notable legislation that failed to pass both houses:

Coverage for All (S.2237-A/A.3020-A)
This bill would have extended Essential Plan coverage to undocumented persons.

Exemption from Preauthorization Requirements (S.2680/A.859) This bill would have exempted health
care professionals from preauthorization requirements where the insurer or health care plan has approved
not less than ninety percent of such professional's preauthorization requests in the preceding six-month
evaluation period.

Dental Therapists (S.4428/A.5373)
This bill would have provided for licensing of a dental therapist and an advanced dental therapist.

Block Anesthesia (S.6752/A.284)
This bill would have prohibited a dental hygienist from administering local block anesthesia without a
certificate and except under the personal supervision of a dentist and in conjunction with the performance
of dental hygiene procedures authorized by law and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the
commissioner.

Dental Hygienists Collaborative Agreements (A.488 /No same as)
This bill would have authorized dental hygienists to provide services without supervision in collaboration
with a licensed dentist under a collaborative practice agreement.

Article| Avoiding Patient Disputes (Cont.)

estimate provided by my dental plan and the dentist and staff have no control over what the final
payment may be. I acknowledge that I am responsible for paying the difference between the total fee of
my treatment and the amount paid by my dental plan, regardless of the initial dental plan estimate.

By signing below, I acknowledge and agree to the statements above. However, it does not obligate me to
begin treatment.”

It would also be a good idea to have a second signature by a witness. Preferably by a friend or relative of
the patient, but at least by one of your staff. Whether you use a statement similar to this one or one

completely created by yourself, I would strongly recommend to consult with your attorney on it’s wording.

I know this sounds like a lot, but the time and effort spent here will pay dividends if it prevents just one
patient dispute with the aggravation, frustration, and wasted time that accompanies it, not to mention the
ill will, bad reviews, and potential lawsuit that could follow.

30 | Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ www.nassaudental.org