Legislative

Lobby Day on the Hill

Lobby Day is typically held in February or March.  Volunteers are needed!  This is our opportunity to meet our representatives, explain our cause, ask for support to pass our bills to increase our scope of practice.  Be a part of lobby day!  More updates to come!

 

Governor Bill Haslam signs new legislation introduced by TDHA.

Pictured from left to right are Senator Jim Tracy; Diana Saylor,RDH; Governor Haslam; Donnella Miller, RDH,BS; and TDHA lobbyist, Mike Bivens.

 

On April 19, 2012 the Tennessee State Legislature passed a bill proposed by TDHA that changes the way  hygienists can practice.  The bill was signed into law by Governor Bill Haslam on May 10, 2012.

The legislation was an outgrowth of concerns expressed by members of TDHA to the Board of Trustees. One of the concerns was the desire to develop a plan that would help citizens of Tennessee who do not have ready access to dental care. This bill provides a starting point for collaborative practice (written protocol) in alternative settings. The four settings are:

  • Nursing homes
  • Skilled care facilities
  • Non profit clinics
  • Public health programs

There are specific guidelines that the hygienist and the dentist must follow in order to have this collaborative agreement. There is still work to be done to further address the issue of Access to Care but this legislation provides a basis for beginning those discussions.

To view the entire bill, please click .

Thank You

TDHA would like to express our gratitude to the sponsors of the bill, Senator Jim Tracy and Representative  Matthew Hill. These two sponsors made this legislation possible for hygienists and they continue to believe in our profession and support us. If you have the opportunity, we would suggest thanking them by email or personally supporting them.

If you have questions or input, please contact Whitney Howerton, President of Tennessee Dental Hygienists’ Association, or any member of the TDHA Board of Trustees.

Our Lobbyist

TDHA’s lobbyist works very hard for the Dental Hygiene profession and has been instrumental in the passing of several bills in recent years which have improved the quality of our profession.

He is always glad to hear from you!

The TDHA Lobbyist is: Mike Bivens at Bivens and Associates
eMail address: