From a tuberculosis outbreak to a CMS proposal, here are five federal updates affecting dentistry that have taken place since July 17:
1. Federal and state health officials began investigating a tuberculosis outbreak connected to recalled human bone tissue products sold to hospitals, surgical centers and dental clinics.
2. The American Dental Association is pushing for dental professionals to show their support for the reauthorization of the Action for Dental Health Act.
3. The Biden-Harris Administration announced its plans to eliminate $39 billion in federal student loans for more than 804,000 borrowers.
4. CMS is considering adding new dental codes for ASCs and assigning codes to ambulatory payment classifications in its proposed 2024 hospital outpatient prospective payment system and ASC payment system rule.
5. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistryasked the Health Resources and Services Administration to keep a national performance measure for oral health.