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Effective June 27, 2023, prescribers of controlled substances, including dentists, must complete eight hours of one-time training on safely prescribing controlled substances (Schedules II, III, IV, and/or V) in order to receive or renew their registration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). See CE options at PNDC, from UW Continuing Dental Education, and from the ADA to meet the requirement.

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Collaboration Committee meeting on June 6.

During the 2023 legislative session, WSDA successfully advocated for the passage of three important dental workforce bills that reduce barriers to hygiene licensure in our state and increase licensure portability for dentists and hygienists. In addition to advocating for important workforce legislation, WSDA also supported or opposed several bills this session concerning dental-related issues, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more.

The Washington State Department of Health, Healthcare-Associated Infections, and Antimicrobial Resistance Section is asking for you to fill out a 5-minute survey about infection prevention in your dental facility.

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is currently recruiting dentists for two upcoming vacancies who reside and engage in the active practice of dentistry east of the summit of the Cascade mountain range. Apply by May 26.

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Thursday, June 1 at 12:00 PM.

RCW 70.352.060 requires all dental laboratory registrations be renewed yearly prior to July 31st. It is recommended that renewal requirements be submitted early, as it takes time for the department to process renewals.

Learn about an opportunity to join the WDS/Delta Dental of Washington Member Advisory Panel (MAP). WSDA encourages members who would like an opportunity to have input into the complex dental benefit discussions in our state to apply. Applications are due by June 2.

Meet up for food, drinks and networking during PNDC 2023 at the Mentor/Mentee Luncheon on Friday, June 16. RSVP today!

Are you a practice owner? Sign up for WSDA Retro by June 1 to receive the free, exclusive opportunity to earn money back on the premiums you already pay to L&I.

Members can register now for the upcoming free virtual CE course "Firing PPOs Without Your Patients Firing You" on May 31.

Earn 20+ CE credits and fulfill minimal sedation and basic life support CE requirements at PNDC 2023, June 15-17 in Seattle. WSDA members register for just $450 (or just $325 for recent grads)!

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Dental Inclusion Committee will meet on May 18 at 12 PM.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has released a draft administrative policy to provide guidance on the Military Family Leave Act requirements for employers. L&I is holding a public feedback session on Tuesday, May 23, and the draft policy will be open for public comment until Friday, June 9.

The LTSS Trust Program is on track for implementation on July 1, 2023 and will be funded by a .58 percent premium assessment on employee wages. Learn more about how this program will affect employers, employees, and self-employed individuals.

The Department of Health is hosting the webinar "HPV Vaccine Starts at 9: Why? How? Now! Cancer Prevention Made Easy" on May 16.

Learn about key employment laws at upcoming L&I webinars. Webinar topics include Employer Guide to Workers’ Rights, Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, Isolated Worker Protections, Know Your Worker Rights and White Collar (EAP) Overtime Exemptions.

The Health Care Authority (HCA) sent a provider alert on April 14, 2023, regarding the end of expedited prior authorization (EPA) number 870001607 and the discontinued use of CDT® code D0170. The dates of service were listed incorrectly as “on and after May 11, 2023” to align with the ending of the public health emergency (PHE).

Washington state’s 105-day legislative session adjourned, on time, on Sunday, April 23, 2023. This session WSDA tracked several bills concerning dental-related issues, workforce, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more. Read for an update on WSDA’s week 15 activities in Olympia.

Please be aware of Medicaid renewal scams. Reports of fake texts and phone calls to Medicaid clients have been reported over the past couple weeks in other states.