Legislation

2011 Legislative Recap

2011 was Kentucky’s “short” legislative session and as such saw very few bills reach the Governor’s desk for signature.  This year also saw strong political battles between the Democratic House of Representatives and the Republican controlled Senate.   Clearly, the Governor and Senate President David Williams, both candidates for Governor, influenced their respective chambers when bills could reflect on their campaigns.  As in past years, the budget and in particular, the Medicaid budget was a main focus.  However, the Democratic controlled House and Republican controlled Senate were not able to reach an agreement on HB 305 concerning the Medicaid Budget.

The main focus of the KDA this year was to seek passage of a bill that prohibits dental insurance companies from setting fees for non-covered services.  As a result, the KDA asked Representative Mike Denham to sponsor HB 325.  The bill did receive a hearing in the House Banking and Insurance Committee where KDA President John Creech testified.  It was reported out of Committee favorably, however the KDA was approached by Insurance industries with an amendment that was un-acceptable.  As a result, it was determined by KDA Leadership that it would be better this year not to proceed with the bill.  Rep. Denham at our request asked that the bill not proceed on the House floor.  The KDA will be working in the interim to draft a bill that will fulfill the memberships’ needs and discuss Insurance industry concerns.  Regardless of their concerns the KDA will work to introduce a bill in 2012 that does not compromise our concerns. 

The KDA did monitor numerous bills in which we supported or worked for the defeat of legislation that was not in our best interest. 

The KDA thanks all members who took the time to contact their legislators to discuss legislation of importance to the KDA and the professional of dentistry.

KDA Members please see our Legislative Issues Page in the Professional Portal for up-to-date information regarding legislative matters of interest to our members...