News Items

Reminder: E-Prescribing Requirement Goes into Effect Jan. 1, 2022

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, all information concerning a prescription for controlled substances Schedule II – Schedule V, or information concerning a refill authorization for controlled substances Schedule III – Schedule V, must be communicated electronically unless one of the authorized exemptions are met, or the health care provider has obtained a waiver from the Department of Health (DOH).

Reminder: Dec. 1 Water Line Testing Requirement & Upcoming Webinar

Attend a free webinar this Friday, Nov. 5 to help prepare for DQAC's new water line testing requirements taking effect Dec. 1, 2021.

2021-2022 WSDA President Dr. Ashley Ulmer

In addition to leading a successful dental practice in Spokane and taking on leadership roles within WSDA, 2021-2022 WSDA President Dr. Ashley Ulmer volunteers with Spokane’s Inland Dental Expanded Access (IDEA) Clinic, helps out with her family’s business, is active in her church, avidly gardens, and is even an award-winning powerlifter! Read more about Dr. Ulmer in the WSDA News.

HCA: Edit code 11120 posting on claims in error

New PPE Group Purchase Order

WSDA has partnered with bttn to host a new Washington State group order. Submit your order by Friday, Nov. 5.

New WSDA Preferred Lender: Provide

We’re excited to welcome Provide as our newest WSDA preferred lender. Provide helps you achieve your dreams of practice ownership through the industry’s only 100% digital finance experience.

DQAC Dental Continuing Competency Committee Meeting – Nov. 4

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Continuing Competency Committee meeting on Thursday, Nov. 4.

DOH Launches Power of Providers COVID-19 Initiative

The Department of Health (DOH) launched the Power of Providers (POP) Initiative in July, with the goal of empowering health professionals across Washington to recommend the COVID-19 vaccination to their patients and clients. WSDA, along with over twenty other health care organizations and associations, signed on to the initiative.

Dr. Theresa Cheng Receives 2021 American Dental Association Humanitarian Award

WSDA member Dr. Theresa Cheng of Issaquah is the recipient of the 2021 American Dental Association (ADA) Humanitarian Award.

Dentists Should Apply for Provider Relief Fund ASAP

The ADA is encouraging dentists to apply for the fourth phase of the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund as soon as possible ahead of the Oct. 26 deadline, according to ADA News.

DQAC Business Meeting – Oct. 22

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, Oct. 22 at 8:30 AM.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.