Several states have introduced legislation to limit corporate entities’ ownership of dental practices and their influence on clinical decision-making. Organizations have also spoken out against corporate dental ownership to protect patient care and clinical autonomy.
Six updates for dental leaders to know:
1. Kentucky recently modified its Dental Practice Act to bar individuals who are not licensed to practice dentistry or entities that establish dental reimbursement rates from controlling clinical decisions.
2. A proposed amendment to Illinois HB 5000 would require any transactions involving healthcare facilities or provider organizations to be subject to the state’s reporting requirements. Entities that own or control healthcare business, such as private equity firms, that have an annual revenue of $10 million or more from Illinois patients, are included under the amendment.
3. California passed a bill that expands the attorney general’s powers to take action against corporate entities that interfere with medical and dental practices, including patient care decisions and coding and billing procedures.
4. Pennsylvania recently advanced legislation that would give the state’s attorney general more authority to review and potentially block healthcare mergers and acquisitions. The bill would also prohibit healthcare sale-leaseback arrangements by private equity firms and require healthcare organizations to disclose financial and operational details before finalizing major deals.
5. In December, the American Economic Liberties Project released model legislation that would strengthen corporate practice of dentistry laws. The model legislation not only prohibits non-dentists from owning practices, but bans common workarounds including DSOs.
6. Dentists and clinical organizations have continued to voice their disapproval of Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s recent acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental. The acquisition has sparked concerns of conflicts of interest within the dental community, including from the ADA, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the American Economic Liberties Project and the Alliance of Independent Dentists.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
