The ADA News (3/23, Garvin) reports that “as the Senate works to pass a stimulus package aimed at granting relief to the millions of Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ADA is thanking dentists across the nation for making their voices heard in Washington on that same legislation.”
The article referenced a March 23 Issues Alert, when ADA President Chad P. Gehani said, “as the global situation on COVID-19 continues to evolve, the American Dental Association is committed to guiding the dental community through these challenging times” and “we are looking out for you, particularly as federal lawmakers work on legislation that could make a big difference for our profession.”
The article noted that Dr. Gehani praised dentists for their quick actions, saying, “You should know that our grassroots efforts over the last 48 hours regarding the CARES Act [known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act] have been outstanding – 117,462 dentists have sent 358,535 emails to Capitol Hill. There is no doubt that dentistry’s message has been received!”
The article went on to say that the ADA “is hopeful Congress will pass the CARES Act shortly” since “the bill contains a number of provisions of importance to dentists and their dental practices” and said the Association “will send out details on the final provisions once they are available.”
In regards to HR 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Dr. Gehani told dentists “the ADA continues to seek a reply from the Department of Labor concerning emergency paid sick leave and family medical leave for employees in the wake of” the new law.
The article said Dr. Gehani concluded the alert by telling members to look at the overviews on these subjects from the Department of Labor and said, “Please keep in mind that we anticipate further guidance from the Department of Labor to clarify these provisions. Once we receive the additional guidance, we will send an update that may assist you with your business decisions.”
Read the letter to the Department of Labor here.
The four Labor summaries can be found here:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights.
COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act: Questions and Answers.
COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act: Questions and Answers.
Visit ADA.org/virus for the latest ADA information on COVID-19.