policy

The Detroit News

I have long been a proponent of legislation and policy that would expand the scope of practice for many health professionals. This means a different way of approaching our health care professionals, putting more emphasis on unique skills and roles within a health team rather than relying on traditional titles and legacy exclusiveness of a particular degree.

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Courier-Journal

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky still has dismal dental problems and poor overall oral health but is making some gains in attacking them, according to research presented to a legislative committee Thursday. Expanded access to dental care was one of the greatest gains from Kentucky’s decision to expand Medicaid and create a health exchange under the Affordable Care Act, according to the presentation of research funded in part by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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Lansing State Journal

It’s not just about having a winning smile. Michigan’s kids in families with low incomes, seniors and pregnant women are not getting the dental care they need to stay healthy, a new report concludes. Troubled chompers can lead to other serious problems.

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Capitol Ideas, Council of State Governments

While state policymakers often wring their hands over health care spending and how it may squeeze out other policy priorities, the flipside of that spending is jobs—lots of them and more to come in the future. In 2012, the 17 million health care and social assistance jobs made up 14.6 percent of all services producing jobs in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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