New Health Care Clinic Establishment Permit May Be Required For the Purchase of Prescription Drugs

HB 7049 was passed during the 2008 legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist. The bill has been called a “clean-up” by drug manufacturers and the Department of Health and focuses on corrections to pedigree paper requirements contained in s.499.01212, F.S.

Within the bill is a new requirement that a health-care-clinic-establishment permit be obtained by any “place of business at one general physical location owned and operated by a professional corporation or professional limited liability company” for the purchase of a prescription drug. This new requirement is effective on Thursday, January 1, 2009. It will cost $255 annually.

There is uncertainty surrounding the interpretation of the law and who must get a permit to continue ordering prescription drugs. The conservative reading of the law suggests that any dentist who runs their business as a professional corporation or a limited liability company (LLC), regardless of the size of the practice, must have this permit to continue to order drugs. The liberal reading of the law suggests as long as you have a “qualified practitioner” (i.e. a DDS or DMD) on the billing invoice, you may or may not need the permit. This could be determined on a case-by-case basis.

We understand the need for the state of Florida to guarantee that prescription drugs are only shipped to qualified receivers. However, we hope it will not require all legitimate health care businesses to purchase yet another government permit. We will continue to monitor this issue very carefully and will provide answers on our Web site at http://floridadental.org/clinicpermit when received.

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Dues Statements in the Mail

The FDA’s 2009 dues statements were mailed on Nov. 17. Be on the look out for your dues statement and make an effort to check in with your colleagues to make sure they also have paid their dues. During these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to make sure your association membership stays strong. The FDA already has received the first dues payment – Dr. Koktow Ng of the Northeast District Dental Association was the first member to pay dues for the 2009 membership year. Thank you Dr. Ng!

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Many FLADPAC and DENTPAC-supported
Candidates Win Elections

The FDA Florida Dental Political Action Committee (FLADPAC) and Dentists Political Action Committee (DENTPAC) contributed to many successful races this election year. In the Florida Senate, there were 15 general-election races. Your political action committees (PAC) successfully contributed to all 15 Senate winners. In the House, your PACs contributed to 67 races—only four supported candidates lost. The 40 member Senate has seven new senators and the 120 member House has 35 new house members.

Congratulatory letters will be sent to all winners. FDA staff would like to thank all FLADPAC members, members who contributed to campaigns, and members who hosted or attended local fundraisers. Your efforts made this election year a success.

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New Outreach Campaign Billboards Posted

As a part of the FDA “Dentistry: Gateway to Good Health” outreach campaign, 14 billboards are being placed around the state. New postings are in the following areas:

• Tampa (on the south side of State Road 580, .6 miles east of Philippe Parkway)
• Panama City (on the north side of Alternate 98, .4 miles north of Southwest 260^th Street)
• Pensacola (on the west side of Palafox Road at Maxwell Road)
• Tallahassee (on east side of Lake Bradford Road, south of Eppes Drive)

These new locations are in addition to previously posted billboards in Miami and Tallahassee. The FDA receives a monthly report of billboard postings. However, if you see one in your area, we’d love to hear about it! Contact FDA Communications Specialist Patty Harrison at pharrison@floridadental.org or (850) 681-3629.

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Get the Big Picture – Win a New TV!

The FDA is offering a $2,500 LCD/Plasma TV (or cash equivalent) to the member who refers the most new applicants for active membership in the association. It’s easy, it’s fun and your association becomes stronger in the process. Here’s how to participate:

• Recruit a colleague to join the FDA.
• Have them fill out an FDA member application and list you as the referring dentist.
• For each completed application received by the FDA listing you as the referring dentist, your name is entered in the contest.
• The FDA member who refers the most new applicants for active membership wins the TV.
• The winner will be announced before the Friday evening concert at the 2009 Florida National Dental Convention.

Contact the membership and marketing department at (800) 877-9922 or dhiggins@floridadental.org for a complete set of contest rules and materials to help you successfully recruit new members. Let’s all remember, more members mean a stronger association!

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ADA Committee on the New Dentist
To Hold Conference

The American Dental Association (ADA) will be hold its 23rd New Dentist Conference in Miami from Thursday, April 30 to Saturday, May 2, 2009. This year’s conference offers opportunities for networking, continuing-education courses, hands-on workshops, leadership training and social activities. The theme is “Making Waves in Miami.” Conference details, including registration, will be available on the ADA's Web site. Attendees also may contact the ADA Committee on the New Dentist at 800-621-8099, ext. 2779 or e-mail newdentist@ada.org.

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