AAE Calls on Governor Newsom to Take Action to Protect Dentists from Unethical Payment Practices with SB 1369
The AAE launched a robust advocacy campaign urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign Senate Bill 1369 into law. This bill prohibits predatory payment practices imposed on dentists by dental plans through contracted virtual credit card companies. Specifically, SB 1369 would mandate the following:
- Payments to providers that include processing fees cannot be the default payment method.
- Dental plans must obtain written consent from dentists before enrolling them in a specific payment method.
- Clear disclosure of all associated fees and alternative payment options is required.
The AAE is committed to this cause, and we are grateful for the leadership of our Practice Affairs Committee member, Kenneth Tittle, DDS, MS. His work with the California State Association of Endodontists and the California Dental Associations brought the advancement of this bill to our attention. The bipartisan legislation passed unanimously in the California Legislature, and the AAE exerted considerable advocacy pressure from multiple fronts to support its enactment. Upon learning about the bill, AAE President Natasha Flake promptly sent the Governor an organizational letter of support.
Recognizing the significance of this issue for its California members, the AAE also launched a grassroots letter-writing campaign, enabling members to advocate for the bill’s passage directly. This grassroots effort, heavily promoted on the AAE’s social media platforms, raised awareness among membership and the public.
The AAE was concerned over Governor Newsom’s decision to veto the bill on September 22, despite unanimous backing from the California Legislature. A two-thirds majority vote in California could override the Governor’s veto, and the AAE remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting any legislative efforts to advance this bill or a similar package into law.
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