3 things you missed in government this week

HIPAA, dental workforce bill, medical debt rule

“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These brief updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy. 

1.    A coalition of organizations representing clinicians, providers and health care stakeholders, including the ADA, sent a letter expressing unified opposition to the proposed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Security Rule, which establishes national standards to protect individuals’ electronic personal health information. The proposed security rule would place a financial strain on hospitals and health care systems, increase health care costs for patients, and stifle innovation in health care, according to the group. 

2.    A federal bill was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives March 10 that would extend funding to address access to care and dental workforce-related issues. The Action for Dental Health Act of 2025 would allocate funding toward organizations through an oral health workforce grant program. The ADA has long championed Action for Dental Health funding, which supports dental disease prevention, reduces geographic and language barriers and enhances access to care with various initiatives.  

3.    The ADA is urging congressional leaders to protect and preserve the Medicaid program. The Association signed onto a joint letter highlighting the critical role the program plays in ensuring access to oral health care and how potential funding cuts could negatively impact millions of Americans, state economies, and the broader health care system. The March 13 letter said Medicaid is a foundational source of affordable access to health care and a key driver of economic security for millions of U.S. families.