FROM ASDA
How to use ASDA Action to Get out the Vote
  1. Register to vote. Use ASDA Action to register to vote. It will walk you through a set of questions, then generate a printable PDF for you to mail in. Online platforms like Vote.gov and TurboVote are great resources, too.
     
  2. Learn about the candidates. Use ASDA Action to look up state and federal candidates running for office to learn more about them.
     
  3. Share additional resources. After entering your zip code in ASDA Action, find your polling location and review additional voter resources.
Looking ahead: Advocacy Month
November is Advocacy Month and your favorite advocacy mascot is back... with a twist. Although Molar Bear will be quarantining at the ASDA Offices in Chicago, we have a number of activities and opportunities for you to bring your own Molar Bear to life. Hint: it may be helpful to start collecting cotton balls, marshmallows or pillows now. Details about Advocacy Month to come in next month's Advocacy Brief.
FROM Washington
Bill introduced to help reduce health disparities

The issue: On June 24, Senator Richard Durbin introduced Strengthening America's Health Care Readiness Act (S. 4055). The bill aims to address health workforce shortages and disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would:
  • Allocate an additional $5,000,000,000 to administer the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
  • Allocate 40 percent of that funding to be set aside for applicants that are historically underrepresented in health care professions, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals from low-income and rural communities.
  • Allocate up to $50,000,000 to establish a National Health Service Corps Emergency Service that would allow participating individuals to provide services during national health emergencies. 
Why is it important? As listed in ASDA's F-4 policy, the association supports legislation that provides opportunities for loan forgiveness, scholarships, grants and tax deductibility. This bill could bring more providers to health care shortage areas and help the country better respond to national health emergencies.

Read ADA's letter thanking Senators Durbin and Rubio for introducing the bill.

HHS extends deadline again for Medicaid and CHIP programs

The issue: As discussed in last month's issue of Advocacy Brief, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it was extending the deadline until Aug. 28 for Medicaid and CHIP providers to receive funding from the Provider Relief Fund under the CARES Act. The new deadline is Sept. 13.

Why is this important? While the deadline extension is helpful, it is important to note that dental schools are currently deemed ineligible for reimbursement of lost Medicaid revenue under the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). It is critical for dental schools to receive reimbursement and provide funding to dentists more broadly as institutions and health care professionals serve patients throughout this pandemic.
FROM the states
North Dakota addresses initial licensure during the pandemic
  

The issue: On Sept. 3, Governor Burgum announced an executive order to suspend the patient-based requirement to the clinical exam for dental licensure. Applicants wanting to practice in the state can take a manikin exam in lieu of the live patient requirement.
Why is this important? ASDA advocacy efforts have been critical during this uncertain time. Several of those states have announced changes to the licensure requirements for 2020 that align with ASDA's requests. It is important for you to stay involved in ASDA to ensure that lawmakers and regulatory agencies continue to meet the needs of dental students.
Advocacy Brief shares news about ongoing issues and legislation that are of interest to dental students and organized dentistry. Inclusion of items does not imply their adherence to ASDA policy.