The 2011 Legislative Session was challenging to say the least. Thank goodness for an exceptional MDHA Legislative Team, the power of email and cell phones, and last but certainly NOT least, the creative, intelligent and flexible legislators along with their incredible staff!

MDHA and The Artemis Group met numerous times and spoke almost daily from June 2010 until April 2011 (end of the legislative session). Planning strategy, outlining next steps, identifying champions as well as roadblocks, and monitoring day by day developments, are critical especially at the initial stages of any legislation. This intense schedule is quite typical when legislation is contentious and high profile. Turf battles in the medical and dental arenas are constant and very common. Although I must say from personal experience, that legislators hate to deal with the professional turf battles. They prefer that if at all possible, the parties work it out, negotiate and present a unified, compromised position. But as we all know, this is not always possible.

After much discussion and debate, MDHA decided to tackle major legislation in the 2010 session. Once again, our staunch advocates in the Maryland General Assembly, Senator Mac Middleton and Delegate Nic Kipke agreed to draft, sponsor/cross-file and champion the 2 bills.

The initial bills were:  1. Administration/Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide    2.  Administration of Block Anesthesia

The following is a brief explanation of events that occurred just prior to and during the 2011 Legislative session.

Originally, both bills were on track to go forward. MDHA and Artemis worked tirelessly to educate new and returning members in the legislature. After numerous discussions with MSDA, AGD etc. it was clear that MDHA was in for a major battle with both bills. Even though a number of independent dentists supported both bills as presented, MDHA decided not to go forward with the Block bill and concentrated all efforts on the Administration and Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide (SB 664 and HB 841).  

The Board of Dental Examiners testified in support of SB 664 and HB 841. That was an incredible testament to the confidence they have in MDHA. At both the Senate and the House hearings, the testimony in support of the entire bill, was exceptional. In addition, MDHA received a number of letters from dentists in support of this proposed legislation. A HUGE THANK YOU to Dr. Jerry Casper who traveled to Annapolis to personally testify at both hearings. Dr. Casper wrote the most compelling and factual testimony in support of SB 664 and HB 841.

Unfortunately, there were some folks that worked diligently behind the scenes, to destroy the entire bill!  Fortunately, with the help of the bill sponsors, their staff, the MDHA Legislative Team and The Artemis Group, we were able to literally “snatch victory from the jaws of defeat”! By fighting to have the bill “reconsidered” and negotiating a compromise, MDHA was able to salvage the “monitoring” portion of the Nitrous Oxide bill. SB 664/ HB 841 passed both the Senate and the House of Delegates. It is certainly not what we had hoped for, but it was a step in the right direction.

 In Annapolis, half a loaf is better than no loaf!

** By the way, several years earlier, MSDA tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill to allow the monitoring of nitrous.

In addition, MDHA also testified on SB 578/HB 354 and SB 502/HB 491, State Board of Dental Examiners- Dentists and Dental Hygienists- Licenses, Temporary Volunteer Licenses, and Temporary Dental Clinic Permits.

The Artemis Group congratulates MDHA on its dedication, professionalism and ability to navigate the idiosyncrasies of the Legislative process. We are proud to represent MDHA and look forward to the challenges and future accomplishments.

Resprsenting MDHA at the Maryland Dental Action Coaliation - Health Hero's Event