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WHAT IS CalHyPAC?
CalHyPAC is the Political Action Committee created by the California Dental Hygienists' Association.
CalHyPAC is a voluntary, non-profit, political advocacy committee.
CalHyPAC is an essential part of CDHA's govern-
ment relations program
CalHyPAC supports legislators who share the interest, concerns and goals of the
dental hygiene profession.
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CalHyPAC
Committee
Susan Clark
Elena Gimpel
Lisa Greenshields
Kathy Kane
Karen Olson
Tricia Osuna
Carole Ryan |
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Dear Colleague,
CalHyPAC, the Political Action Committee of the California Dental Hygienists' Association, is very excited to bring you the first online CalHyPAC newsletter. We want to provide you with the latest information about legislation affecting dental hygiene in California and let you know how you can help. We hope that you will enjoy this newsletter and will forward it to your friends. Please join us in our efforts to continue to have a strong voice in Sacramento. To find out more about CalHyPAC, please visit the CDHA
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CALIFORNIA
The sunset review process will take place in 2014. Every four to six years the Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC), like other state regulatory agencies, must go through a sunset process to determine whether they are achieving their goal and mandate to protect the consumers of California. CDHA will offer testimony at the hearings.
This process is very important to dental hygienists and California consumers alike. If legislation is not introduced, passed through both houses and signed by the governor the DHCC will sunset and cease to exist!.
The CDHA Government Relations Council's (GRC) report will provide additional information in the "Legislative Update" click here. |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING NATIONALLY
These are exciting times.
The US health care system is going through significant change. Proposals are being introduced and pilot projects implemented for expansion of the scope of practice of dental hygienists who can provide more oral health services for broader segments of the underserved population. This expansion can have implications for California's dental hygiene scope of practice as the national proposals are discussed throughout the states.
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Recent Legislation 
SB 540 Dentistry
The dental board had its Sunset Review by the legislature this year. After this process, SB (senate bill) 540 Dentistry was introduced, amended, passed both houses and has been signed into law. The dental board will now consist of 5 public members instead of 4 and will retain its eight dentist members, one dental hygienist member, and one dental assistant member. The governor makes all appointments to licensing boards.The position of the dental hygienist is currently vacant.
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ADVOCACY
Advocacy is an important component in any organization and for its members to make legislators aware of their positions on policy issues. As a licensed profession governed by state practice acts and rules, dental hygiene is directly impacted by many policy issues that shape day-to-day dental hygiene practice and the delivery of oral health care services.
Issues requiring advocacy in California are: scope of practice, access to care, continuing education and reimbursement under Dent-Cal. Your involvement as a dental hygiene professional is critical to the success of any advocacy effort!
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CalHyPAC meeting July 22, 2011. Pac members present (left to right) Lisa Greenshields, Tricia Osuna, Carole Ryan, Lobbyist Terry McHale, Susan Clark, Elena Gimpel and Karen Olson.
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CDHA'S LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY FIRM IS ONE OF THE LARGEST IN CALIFORNIA
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Aaron Read, legislative advocate |
The California Dental Hygienists' Association has retained the legislative advocacy firm of Aaron Read and Associates since 1984 to help us work with legislative leaders, state agencies, the Dental Hygiene Committee of California ( DHCC ) and other associations.
Together we promote state policies encouraging increased availability of oral health care, to improve laws and regulations that protect the public's oral health and enhance the practice of dental hygiene. CDHA's executive officers, the Government Relations Council (GRC) and the
CalHyPAC commttee work closely with
legislative advocates Mr. Read and Mr. McHale.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
Want to help CDHA be successful in having a strong voice in Sacramento about the issues we care about?
- You can donate money to CalHyPAC We welcome donations from members, friends, potential members, and non-members.
- You can write letters to your legislators about legislation affecting dental hygiene.
- Join your professional organization. Numbers count when CDHA and our legislative advocacy firm represent dental hygienists in Sacramento.
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WANT TO DONATE?
Send checks payable to CalHyPAC
c/o Elena Gimpel, Treasurer
44279 Cabo Street
Temecula, Ca 92592
Fair Political Practice Act requires that you include your name, address, occupation and name of employer on your check. Your contributions are not deductible for state or federal income tax purposes.
QUESTIONS?
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