The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services has sent out public notice that it will be holding a public hearing at the Capitol in Austin on Thursday, August 14th.
One of the charges the Committee will look into at the hearing that relates to TDMR interests and dentistry is:
Charge #7 – Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to:
· Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas Medicaid and other health and human services programs.
· Dental Board Reforms: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the State Board of Dental Examiners’ ability to protect public safety, including strengthening the Board’s authority and enforcement powers, improving the complaint review and resolution processes, and increasing staffing to improve the Board’s ability to respond to complaints and potential fraudulent activity. Determine whether there are additional changes necessary to ensure that the Board is able to regulate the practice of dentistry and ensure public safety.
TDMR will take this opportunity to provide testimony on the current state of affairs with the implementation of SB 1803 and we advise other concerned individuals to make their voices heard as well.