Society News
We'd like to invite all members of our society to submit articles that they feel may be of interest to others in our society. These may be of events, thoughts or issues that have taken place or those that are to come. This could be on a professional or personal level. A great course, a good deal for a family outing, thoughts on staff issues... one's mind is the limit. That is, one's mind and the approval of the Publications Committee. We look forward to hearing from you.
New York Withdraws Mandatory Flu Vaccinations for Health Care Workers
The New York State Department of Health has withdrawn its regulation mandating all health care workers be vaccinated for the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Read more...
Red Flags Rules
Is your office prepared for the enforcement of the new ‘Red Flags' Rules which will go into effect on November 1st? Read more...
Invisalign Policy Change
Align Technology, manufacturer of Invisalign orthodontic treatment, is implementing annual proficiency requirements for dentists who represent themselves as Invisalign providers. Read more...
NOMAD Hand-Held X-Ray Device NYC Registration Update
The NYC Office of Radiological Health will be following the same process as the New York State Department of Health to register the NOMAD hand-held x-ray device in New York City. Read more...
Revised HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices Form
As part of the ADA HIPAA Privacy Kit, a revised HIPAA Privacy Form 1, Notice of Privacy Practices, is available at ADA.org. Read more...
New York State Mandated Ethics/Jurisprudence Course
Second District Dental Society will be offering this course on several dates throughout 2009. Read more...
Urgent Grassroots Help is Needed!
Proposed legislation to change the statute of limitations has been introduced in the NYS Legislature. This legislation, if passed, would dramatically change the present statute of limitations for dental and medical malpractice actions, making the date of discovery the date of accrual for calculating the statute of limitations, rather than the date of the act, omission or failure that is the subject of the malpractice action. The bill would also revive, for a period of one year, actions that have been time barred or dismissed under the existing statute of limitationsmay be coming to a vote very soon. YOUR HELP TO DEFEAT THIS HORRIBLE LEGISLATION IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!
In conversation Tuesday and confirmed this morning with NYSDA staff, we were told that the bill was still in the Codes Committee. This is the same committee where the bill died last year. Unfortunately, it appears that the bill may soon be headed out of the Codes committee to the floor of the Assembly and that of the Senate. The NYSDA lobbyist is pursuing our interests on this matter. NYSDA is working also in concert with the Medical Society, the Hospital Association and the AGD (among others) to defeat this bill. Yes, physicians, hospitals and other health professionals have a stake in this matter too.
It is imperative that we all participate in this grassroot effort to defeat this proposed legislation, and do it NOW.
There links to 2 model letters below; one for your state senator, one for your assemblyman. YOU SHOULD ADDRESS THE MODEL LETTER SO THAT IT IS DIRECTED TO YOUR SPECIFIC LEGISLATOR FOR IT TO BE EFFECTIVE. Additionally, if any of you have a solid PERSONAL relationship with anyone in the Assembly or Senate, please give Bernard Hackett a call at (718) 522-3939 or send him an email right away.
(click here)Model opposition letter to State Senator (.doc)
(click here)Model opposition letter to Assemblyman (.doc)
The links below will bring you to the respective NYS Legislature sites where you can look up the name, address, fax number and email address of your respective legislator. Send your letters at your earliest opportunity today, tonight or tomorrow. This legislation, sponsored by State Senator Eric Schneiderman (Manhattan) and Assemblywoman Weinstein (Brooklyn) is a major threat to your well-being as a practicing dentist in this State. Work to have this defeated now.
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/senatehomepage.nsf/senators?OpenForm
Amalgam Separator Discount for Members
Second District has secured an outstanding membership benefit for all our members seeking a solution to the amalgam separator mandate. We have negotiated a cooperative discount with R & D Services, Inc. to provide you their top rated amalgam separator, the Amalgam CollectorTM, at a 10% discount from their listed retail prices. For more information click here.
Regulatory Updates
A number of regulatory agencies have made modifications to various regulations that may have an impact upon your practice. Although you may already know of these changes and have already taken care of the matter, we suggest you read the material that follows and should you have questions, CONTACT THAT REGULATOR using the number and / or website that has been provided. Please remember that you, not the regulator or Second District, are responsible for your being in compliance. Please take action where and when required.
NATIONAL PROVIDER IDENTIFIER (NPI) Click here to find out what the NPI is, if you need it and how to get it.
AMALGAM SEPARATOR REGULATIONS - For more information on this issue and preparing your practice to meet regulation expectations click here.
NEW YORK STATE PRESCRIPTION FORM PROGRAM - please click here for details on the regulations.
Upcoming Events
March 11th - (BROOKLYN) March Scientific Meeting: The Evolution and Revolution of Dowel Devices
March 12th - (BROOKLYN) The Dr. Irving E. Gruber Memorial Lecture - Innovations in Esthetic Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know About Veneers (#2010-08)
March 16th - (STATEN ISLAND) Richmond County Dental Society Membership Meeting
March 19th - (BROOKLYN) Forensic Odontology: History, Hurricanes, Helicopters and Bitemarks (#2010-09) / (BROOKLYN) CPR and Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office (#2010-43)
March 24th - (STATEN ISLAND) CPR and Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office (#2010-10)
