BITES&BRIEFS


New ADA Vaccine Toolkit, Mask Compliance Question


T


the ADA has published a new member toolkit, “Talking with Patients About COVID-19 Vaccines” available at ADA.org/VaccineToolkit. It contains fact


COVID-19 VACCINE


sheets, FAQ, office signs and more to educate patients, and joins the many other COVID-related resources found at ADA.org/Virus. In related news, on March 8, the CDC up- dated its “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People” which included guidelines about wear- ing masks. MDA members have inquired about requiring patients to wear masks into and out of the dental offices, noting where towns and counties have lifted the mask mandate, some patients are starting to complain/be non-compliant. The ADA has commented, “The ADA continues to advocate for adherence to CDC guidelines. Notwithstanding the mask mandates being lifted in some counties, the most recent guidance from CDC (which is for non-healthcare settings) still recommends people who are fully vaccinated wear a mask and continue to practice physical distancing in public. The change for those who are fully vaccinat- ed is they can socialize without a mask with others who are fully vaccinated and can visit with another family with individuals who have not been vaccinated as long as none of the others are at high risk of serious COVID-19 disease.” Access the CDC guidance at bit.ly/3bDjDdu.


Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?


Ask us for a COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet. MDIS Celebrating 30 Years


In 2021 we’ll officially celebrate 30 years of successful support from our wholly-owned insurance agency, MDIS. With a milestone this great, MDA wants to thank our members in a big way—because your loyalty to MDIS is what makes the agency a tremendous asset to the Association. To mark this occasion, MDA is hosting a prize promotion. December 1, we will draw for three great gifts: two $250 gift cards and one YETI Hopper backpack cooler. Entry is easy! You just have to be an active MDA member and an active client of MDIS, and you’re automatically entered in the drawing. If you’re not using MDIS, visit MDIS4DDS.com or call 573-636-8752 to inquire about any of their insurance products. MDIS was created by a group of MDA member dentists to have a resource when it comes to insurance—a member benefit all dentists can find value in.


MDA Announces New Perks Provider For Member Services, Savings O


n March 1, BWTP, P.C. became an MDA Perks Provider. The Perks Program exists to increase awareness about allied dental companies


desiring to offer members good products and services at good prices. These companies complete an application process and pay a fee to advertise/market to MDA members. BWTP offers accounting and tax services (and is the Missouri member of the Academy of Dental CPAs), as well as practice valuations and transition services, and more. Learn more at bwtpcpa.com/industries/dental or call 314-576-1350. BWTP joins Perks provider iCoreConnect, which offers a variety of technology services including ePrescribe and EPCS, HIPAA- compliant email and more. Learn more at icoreconnect.com/modental-about. For all member savings and services, including endorsed products, Perks and others programs, visit modental.org/savings.


12 focus | MAR/APR 2021 | ISSUE 2


ePrescribe, EPCS Update


Members continue to contact the MDA office for clarity on the Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS) statute, which went into effect through Missouri statute January 1, 2021.


Beginning December 16, 2020, DHSS/ BNDD established a system to issue waivers for electronic prescribing and announced an emergency rule had delayed compliance to March 31, 2021. The BNDD has stated they normally can process a waiver in about a business day, and people can apply for a waiver at any time, year around. The BNDD also has stated this year the waiver ques- tions will be added to the annual application that registrants complete and submit once a year when they get a new registration. To access the waiver, members can go to health. mo.gov/safety/bndd and at the top, click on the link Applications for Electronic Prescribing Waivers. The application is one page and asks limited questions. The form must be saved and submitted to a specific email address.


Recently a member inquired if they had to implement ePrescribe and/or EPCS technol- ogy or complete the waiver, even if they did not prescribe any of the Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances. ePrescribing is not required for any other prescription and EPSC is required only when prescribing any of the Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances; however, as noted, a waiver can be com- pleted. Should a doctor not currently use ePrescribe and/or EPCS technology, but wish to do so, they should inquire with their cur- rent dental practice software about built-in technology or software integration. Members can receive discounts through iCoreConnect (MDA Perks Program) that offers iCoreRx which meets EPCS requirements and inte- grates with popular practice management systems. iCoreConnect can discuss what iCoreRx interaction looks like with their particular PM software (icoreconnect.com/ modental-about). For complete information on this topic, including an FAQ and links to the BNDD waiver, go to bit.ly/38u8zxh.


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