Blog

Oct 15, 2021

Reminder: EHR/PMP Integration Requirement Goes into Effect Jan. 1, 2022

By Jan. 1, 2022, health care facilities subject to the EHR/PMP integration requirement must be in compliance or have received a waiver of compliance issued by the DOH.

Oct 13, 2021

Halloween Candy Buy-Back – Is Your Office Participating?

The Tooth Fairy Experience — the dental health education program WSDA partners on with Delta Dental of Washington — will be promoting a statewide list of dentists participating in a Halloween candy buy-back.

Oct 13, 2021

WSDA Joins Coalition to Express Concerns with the Long-Term Care Services and Supports Trust Program

On Sept. 9, the Association of Washington Businesses sent a letter to Governor Inslee expressing concerns with the Long-Term Care Services and Supports Trust (LTSST) program. WSDA signed onto the letter, along with a diverse group of employers, local governments, labor unions, and other organizations.

Oct 13, 2021

Updated DOH Vaccine Mandate FAQ

The Department of Health (DOH) released an updated COVID-19 vaccine mandate FAQ, which aims to clarify questions arising from Proclamation 21-14.1.

Oct 13, 2021

Reminder for Medicaid Providers: New PMP Rule Goes into Effect Oct. 1, 2021

Effective Oct. 1, Medicaid providers will need to check the Washington State Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) prior to prescribing any controlled substance (Schedule II through Schedule IV, not just opioids) to a patient enrolled in an Apple Health Managed Care plan or Fee-for-Service program.

Oct 8, 2021

Employer Standard Occupational Code Reporting

In 2020, the Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 2308, which as of Oct. 1, 2022, will require employers to report the standard occupational classification (SOC) code of workers to the Employment Security Department (ESD).

Oct 8, 2021

Dentists Can Register Give Kids A Smile Events for 2022

The ADA is calling on dental professionals to sign up to participate in the Give Kids A Smile program, which will mark its 20th anniversary next year.

Oct 7, 2021

PNDC 2021 Health & Safety Policies

In accordance with a King County-issued mandate, attendance at PNDC 2021 will require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID test administered within 72 hours of arrival at registration. In addition, based on the current requirements set forth by Washington state, masks will be required while indoors at PNDC.

Oct 6, 2021

Second Expiration Date Extension for Initial Limited Licenses

The Department of Health reports that it will extend the 18-month expiration date for Dental Hygiene Initial Limited Licenses until Sept. 30, 2022.

Oct 6, 2021

Apple Health ABCD Program Billing Guide Update

Attention Medicaid Providers: The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently published an update to the billing guide for the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program.

Oct 6, 2021

Workers’ Compensation For COVID-19

As a result of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5190, it is now presumed that if a health care worker contracts an infectious disease that is the subject of a public health emergency, such as COVID-19, this transmission is the result of workplace activities.

Oct 5, 2021

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee – Oct. 7

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 12:00 PM.

Oct 1, 2021

HHS Announces Availability of $25.5 Billion in COVID-19 Provider Funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is making $25.5 billion in new funding available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Apply now.

Sep 30, 2021

WSDA News | Summer 2021

Read about 2021-2022 WSDA President Dr. Ashley Ulmer in the Summer 2021 cover story.

Sep 30, 2021

Reminder: Support the Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene Program at UW

Please consider donating in support of the Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program at the UW School of Dentistry. Your contribution will make a difference in educating and graduating more dental hygienists in our state and will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000!

Sep 30, 2021

Reminder: Prepare for Dec. 1 Water Line Testing Requirement

Attend a free webinar from Harris Biomedical to help prepare for DQAC's new water line testing requirements taking effect Dec. 1, 2021.

Sep 29, 2021

Bracken Killpack Recognized as Young Leader in PSBJ "40 Under 40"

WSDA Executive Director Bracken Killpack has been named to the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list of young local business and community leaders for 2021.

Sep 29, 2021

PNDC 2021 Early Bird Deadline Further Extended to Friday, Oct. 22

In an effort to offer increased flexibility and to show our appreciation during these less predictable times, the WSDA Committee on Continuing Education has extended the PNDC 2021 Early Bird deadline through Friday, Oct. 22.

Sep 29, 2021

Apply to Join the WSDA Editorial Advisory Board by Nov. 1

WSDA is now accepting applications to join the Editorial Advisory Board, a group of members tasked with writing and reviewing editorial content for the WSDA News. Apply by Monday, Nov 1.

Sep 29, 2021

What You Need to Know About the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program

The LTSS Trust Program is on track for implementation on Jan. 1, 2022 and will be funded by a .58 percent premium assessment on employee wages. Learn more about how this program will affect employers, employees and self-employed individuals.