Author: Jackie Crowe

The ADA's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (Code) require dentists to respect the patient's rights to self-determination and confidentiality. Section 1 – Principle: Patient Autonomy of the Code “expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to treat the patient according to the patient’s desires, within the bounds ... [continue reading]

All states including Ohio have some type of unclaimed property law that declares money, property or other assets to be abandoned after a period of inactivity. Abandoned or unclaimed property, although not considered a tax, has become a significant source of revenue for many states. Additionally in this information age, states have become much more ... [continue reading]

Policymakers routinely make decisions that impact dentists, dental patients and small businesses. The Ohio Dental Association, as part of its mission to support, protect and advance the interests of its member dentists, consistently monitors the issues before policymakers to ensure that dentistry’s interests are preserved. While the ... [continue reading]

The 132nd Ohio General Assembly is half way through its two-year term and has already considered several hundred bills. Many of these bills would have a direct impact on dentists, patients and small businesses. The Ohio Dental Association, as part of its mission to support, protect and advance the interests of its member dentists, consistently ... [continue reading]

Last month’s Legal Briefs column focused on the membership benefits of organized dentistry’s advocacy efforts and reviewed several pieces of legislation the ODA’s professional lobbying team worked on throughout 2016 leading up to the final weeks of the 131st Ohio General Assembly’s two-year term. Legislators since ... [continue reading]

The advocacy efforts of organized dentistry provide a significant benefit to members. Throughout 2016, the 131st Ohio General Assembly has considered several hundred bills. Many of these bills would have a direct impact on dentists, patients and small businesses. The Ohio Dental Association, as part of its mission to support, protect and advance ... [continue reading]

This month, House Bill 463 will go into effect.  HB 463 was developed from a series of recommendations by the 2013 ODA House of Delegates aimed at improving access to quality, comprehensive dental care by focusing on delivery system enhancements and workforce development.  The bill was unanimously approved by the Ohio General Assembly ... [continue reading]

Ohio law has long provided incentives for health care professionals to provide free care to indigent patients. In December, Gov. John Kasich signed two pieces of legislation that will enhance volunteer opportunities. House Bill 320, introduced by State Rep. Ron Young (R-Leroy Township) and passed by the legislature on Dec. 4, 2014, extends ... [continue reading]

House Bill 463, The Ohio Dental Care Modernization Act promoted by the ODA, was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich last month after unanimous approval from the legislature. Among its many provisions to promote increased access to comprehensive dental services, the new law offers additional incentives for new graduates to practice in the ... [continue reading]

A strong grassroots political network is essential to any organization hoping to impact public policy decisions. The leadership of the Ohio Dental Association recognized this years ago and has placed political advocacy as one of its high priorities in order to protect the interests of dentists at the Statehouse and in the halls of Congress. The ... [continue reading]