This Week in the Legislature

This past week included both House and Senate Committees receiving information updates from administrative departments.  The newly created Kansas Health Policy Authority (KHPA) was on the “hot seat” most often providing testimony in at least six separate committees about its plans to increase access to healthcare for the state indigent population as well as the governor’s “First 5” health plan. (More)

Executive Committee/Council on Finance and Budget Meets

The KDA Executive Committee and Council on Finance and Budget both met this afternoon at the KDA office.  The Council on Finance and Budget prepared the 2007-08 budget that will be submitted to the Board of Delegates at its March meeting.  The Executive Committee reviewed the job performance and established goals for Executive Director Robertson along with a full meeting agenda.  The performance evaluation included information from those component districts President’s that responded to the request to complete a performance evaluation. 

No Dental Day 2007 – KDA to Team Up with OHK Advocacy Day

Due to the timing of KMOM-Topeka falling on the traditional day of the KDA’s annual Dental Day activities, there will be no Dental Day this year.  The KDA and KDCF are inviting House and Senate members to tour KMOM on the morning of Friday, February 2.  We hope that legislators will learn more about KMOM and have the chance to meet dentists volunteering from their districts.

In addition, the KDA Executive Committee accepted and invitation to co-sponsor the Oral Health Kansas (OHK) Advocacy Cay on February 21-23.  In addition to OHK, the KDA joined the Kansas Dental Hygienists’ Association as a sponsor of the event.  Look for Advocacy Day invitations to be mailed soon.

Dental Board Supports ECP Changes

During a telephone conference call meeting this morning, the Kansas Dental Board voted to support the changes to the dental hygiene extended care permit (ECP) law being proposed by Oral Health Kansas.  The KDA board of Delegates voted to support the changes at its November meeting.  The Dental Board also voted to introduce a bill that would codify in statute administrative charges they already impose on sedation permits.

Robertson to Give KMOM Presentation

Executive Director Robertson is scheduled to make a presentation to the House Committee on Health and Human Services on Monday, January 22.  The presentation will provide an insight to the new legislators and members of the Committee as provide an opportunity to personally invite legislators to the see KMOM in action on Friday, February 2. 

KMOM Registration Still Open

There’s still time for dentists to registration for KMOM-Topeka at www.ksdental.org.  Please note that dental hygienist registration has been closed, however a dental hygienist may still register and participate as a “public” volunteer.  The local KMOM-Topeka is putting the finishing touches on what promises to be a memorable KMOM experience at Landon Arena – we hope you plan to attend.  Registrants received there KMOM packets via email last week. 

Board of Delegates to Meet

Board delegates and alternate delegates should mark the KDA Board of Delegates meeting on their calendars for Thursday, March 15.  The meeting will start at 1:30 P.M. at the Hyatt-Crown Center in Kansas City in conjunction with the UMKC’s Midwest Dental Conference.  Look for other KDA Council/Committees to be held on Thursday, March 15 as well.

Dental Issues Status

The 2007 Legislative Session begins a new two-year session.  All Senate Bills (SB) will be new beginning with SB 1.  All House Bills (HB) will begin with HB 2001.

Mercury

SB1 is similar to bills that the KDA has monitored in past years that would prohibit mercury-based thimerosol in vaccines.  Unlike past bills, SB 1 allows the Secretary of Health may exempt a vaccine contain thimerosol if there is a vaccine shortage, epidemic, bioterrorist incident, etc.  SB 1 was introduced by Senate minority leader Anthony Hensley and Senator Dennis Wilson.  The bill has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Public Health.

Government Administrative

SB 16 would authorize the Joint Committee on Children’s Issues to introduce legislation.  This Committee has been in existence since 1999 usually meets during the Legislative Interim.  This bill would provide the Committee with more power to carry outs it legislative charge.  SB 16 is assigned to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Public Health

SB 37 would prohibit tobacco smoking in all indoor public places except a “cigar-tobacco bar.”  The bill is assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Charitable Work

HB 2102 would allow healthcare professionals who donate their time to indigent patients at significantly reduced or no cost to apply through a nonprofit community service organization to apply for a tax credit at the rate of $50/hour.  The tax credit would cap at $3,000/year/ taxpayer.  The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Taxation.