VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2024 SESSION RECAP

Transparency in Dental Insurance Carriers

This is a very important policy change as it defines actual loss ratio (ALR) and requires all dental carriers to annually report their ALR and the BOI to make it publicly available. It also creates a workgroup with the staff of the BOI to vet and develop solutions for persistent problems the VA membership may be having with insurance carriers. Effective July 1, 2024.

Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact

Allows dentists and dental hygienists to move across state lines. It's a big step forward to improve licensee mobility and office recruitment as well as improve needed oral health care. It will help address one of the major relocating challenges in our military and public health services. Effective July 1, 2024.

Safe Haven for Dentists and Dental Hygienists

Extends the civil liability protections of Virginia’s provider wellness program (known as Safe Haven) to dentists and dental hygienists and strengthens those protections for providers seeking voluntary inpatient treatment for mental health services. Effective July 1, 2024

Remote Supervision of Dental Hygienists

Simply gives more flexibility in the time (90 days to 180 days) between seeing a hygienist remotely and having an in-person visit with the supervising dentist. This change should help provide more access for underserved populations. Effective July 1, 2024.

Funding a New VCU School of Dentistry Building

VCU is authorized to utilize up to $5,200,000 in non-general funds to consider and evaluate alternative sites, designs, and operational alternatives for replacement of the present Dentistry School facilities.

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