Texas Report – Nov 2020

The recent fall continuing education course was a huge success. Pediatric Sedation Roundup was conducted virtually and presented by Dr. Brian Steele. TAPD is supporting several pieces of legislation, including a Medicaid top-down review and general anesthesia access for all. Preparations for the upcoming session have included meetings with Senators Lois Kolkhorst, Chuy Hinojosa, Judith Zaffirini, & Representatives Tom Oliverson and Bobby Guerra. Additionally, the academy is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Health and Human Services Committee regarding this legislation. A meeting is pending with the Office of the Inspector General to discuss fraud, waste and abuse.

Anesthesia Jurisprudence is now available online. If you are due for license renewal and you are a DDS who holds at least a Nitrous Oxide, Level 1, 2, 4 or 4 sedation permit you are required to take and pass the online jurisprudence exam once every 5 years.

Beginning September 1, 2020, a Human Trafficking CE course must be completed before a Texas dental license registration or renewal. HHSC has a free, online course available for healthcare professionals at hhs.texas.gov.

Submitted by Dr. Mary Fuselier, SWSPD President