Board of Trustees FINAL
April 12, 2015
Page 7 of 7
Board of Trustees
April 12, 2015
Pennsylvania Dental Association Central Office
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Present Consultants/Staff/Guests Present
Dr. Anand V. Rao (1) Thomas J. Weber, Legal Counsel
Dr. Ronald K. Heier (2) Peg Callahan, PDA Lobbyist
Dr. Frederick S. Johnson (4) Camille Kostelac-Cherry, Esq., CEO
Dr. James M. Boyle III (5) Mary Donlin, Director of Membership
Dr. Cynthia A. Iseman (7) Barbara Mladenoff, Executive Assistant
Dr. Thomas C. Petraitis (8) Marisa Swarney, Director of
Dr. Joseph E. Ross (9) Government Relations
Dr. Herbert L. Ray, Jr. (10) Rebecca Von Nieda, Director of
Dr. Stephen T. Radack III, President Meetings and Administration
Dr. Wade I. Newman, President-elect Dr. Amanda Hemmer, NDR
Dr. Samuel E. Selcher, Treasurer Dr Charles J. Incalcaterra, Trustee-Elect (2)
Dr. Theodore J. Rockwell, Trustee-Elect (8)
Absent Dr James A.H. Tauberg, Trustee-Elect (10)
Dr. Eli Stavisky (3) Dr. Bruce Terry, Editor PDJ
Dr. Nicole M. Quezada (6), Secretary Dr. Andrew J. Kwasny, ADA Trustee
Dr. L. William Veihdeffer, Vice President
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:29 a.m. by Dr. Stephen T. Radack III, president.
A moment of silence was observed for Dr. Quezada’s recently deceased father whose memorial service was held today.
A welcome was extended to the three incoming trustees-elect from Districts 2, 8 and 10.
Approval of Record of Electronic Votes
The board unanimously approved the Record of Electronic Votes from January 23, 2015, to April 6, 2015. (BOARD ACTION)
PCOH Funding
Dr. Radack asked the board to reconsider a funding request from the PA Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH) in the amount of $10,000. Dr. Bernie Dishler submitted a letter highlighting the PCOH priorities for 2015. The board generally agreed PCOH is a worthwhile cause.
Ms. Camille Kostelac-Cherry provided a brief history of PCOH. PCOH started as the Fluoride Now Coalition which PDA helped fund and administer. Over the years, the Coalition has broadened its focus and membership but PDA’s early involvement and continued leadership has ensured that PDA issues are at the forefront of PCOH activity. PDA has provided in kind resources in the form of communication support by Bravo Group and lobbyist assistance, both through PDA’s contractual arrangements and through ADA SPA funding.
PDA has contributed financially to the PCOH once through PADPAC and once through Pennsylvania Dental Foundation. However, the board directed that PCOH funding should be a line item in the PDA budget (04/15BTDA01).
The board directed that PCOH should provide PDA with an annual request for funding along with metrics showing how the donation benefits Pennsylvania (04/15BTDA02). The board will consider the request in light of budget considerations at the time the request is made.
The board directed that PCOH to supply PDA with a quarterly report (04/15/BTDA03).
Resolved That the PDA fund Pennsylvania Coalition on Oral Health in the amount 04/15/BT59 of $10,000 in 2015.
(YES: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10) (NO: ) (ABSENT: 3, 6)
University of Pittsburgh Senior Luncheon Funding
Ms. Mary Donlin forwarded a request from the Membership Committee for PDA to sponsor a luncheon for senior dental students at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine’s Alumni Association on Friday, May 15, 2015. For a $2,000 sponsorship PDA will receive an opportunity for one PDA leader to formally congratulate the students and provide an overview of benefits that will help them transition from dental school to practice.
Resolved That funding in the amount of $2,000 to sponsor the senior luncheon
04/15/BT60 at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine be approved.
(YES: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10) (NO: ) (ABSENT: 3, 6)
PDA Legislative Agenda Items
Ms. Peg Callahan and Dr. Newman met with Senator Corman in his district office and received his support for Assignment of Benefits and an offer to help find a prime sponsor.
Ms. Callahan and Dr. Ray met with Senator Don White, chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. This was an extremely valuable and important meeting as Senator White agreed to support the legislation as written. Senator Corman had discussed prime sponsor with several senators including Senator Bartolotta and Senator Yaw. There was a lunch with Senator Eichelberger to discuss the legislation and he felt good about sponsoring the bill but would like more time to think it through.
Ms. Callahan worked closely with two representatives interested in sponsoring legislation on PDA’s behalf. Representative Karen Boback agreed to introduce PDA’s student loan forgiveness legislation. Representative Stan Saylor, who has experience fighting with the insurance lobbyists when sponsoring PDA’s general anesthesia coverage legislation, agreed to sponsor PDA’s assignment of benefits legislation. As of today, there are 27 co-sponsors for the assignment of benefits legislation, including Representative Tina Pickett, chair of the House Insurance Committee and Representative Adolph, Appropriations Committee Chair. Support from both committees is needed to push through the legislation.
Dr. Radack asked Ms. Callahan to address the issue of Dr. Drew Carlin, a pediatric dentist and PDA member, who is experiencing reimbursement difficulties with Highmark. The Allegheny Health Network is being audited by Highmark who determined that anesthesia for children was inappropriate and not covered. Highmark is going back to the service providers and patients asking for reimbursement for treatment rendered as far back as 2012. Ms. Callahan recommends that any dentist having problems should send letters to their legislators to garner support. She will also schedule a meeting with Rep. Saylor, the prime sponsor for the 2012 law requiring insurers to cover general anesthesia.
Mr. Tom Weber commented there are 20 other dentists experiencing the same issue. Highmark is arguing that its policies exclude anesthesia for pediatric dental. There is talk of dentists filing an injunction in Philadelphia or Lancaster County. Mr. Weber is looking into the situation for further clarification.
ADA Signing Day Update
Dr. Radack reported on meeting with Temple’s Dean Ismail, Dr. Kathleen O’ Loughlin, ADA Executive Director, and Christine Chico, Manager of Member and Client Services for the ADA. All agreed on the importance of improving the student experience and the transition into ADA membership. This was a valuable experience and offered the chance to meet with the students at Temple and Penn.
Ms. Donlin reported PDA works closely with the ASDA representatives to obtain applications from fourth-year dental students. The ASDA representatives receive incentives for their local chapters from both ADA ($500) and PDA ($50). Results from ADA Signing Day for the three dental schools show Temple completed 68 applications out of 152 (45% signing rate); Penn completed 96 applications out of 154 (62% signing rate); Pitt completed 59 applications out 84 (70.2% signing rate).
Signing Day meeting dates for 2016 and 2017 were established: The 2016 dates are March 24 in Philadelphia and March 31 in Pittsburgh.
PA 147 Update
Ms. Rebecca Von Nieda reported there are 200 total attendees, 132 of whom are dentists. Sixteen exhibitors will set up outside the main meeting rooms in the Garden Terrace Lobby and all exhibitor space has been sold out.
On Thursday, three pre-session CE courses are scheduled from ACD, ICD, and Temple. The Temple program is a one-hour CE on Cone Beam followed by a reception which is open to everyone attending the pre-session CE courses. The ACD program is on Ethics, and the ICD program is on Adolescent Oral Health.
On Friday, three CE sessions are scheduled on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Lessons to Avoid Disciplinary Action in PA, and Social Media and eMarketing. The afternoon is the advocacy forum with ADA and PDA leaders along with a legislative overview. The Pitt Alumni reception, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., is open to everyone, and a PADPAC members-only reception is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The PDA Beach party is scheduled for Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. with 76 registered.
From a financial standpoint, PA 147 revenue is down by $33,000 due to a smaller than anticipated number of paying CE attendees. It was suggested that for 2016 a print brochure be direct mailed, along with electronic reminders to member dentists. Notifications for PA 147 have been through journal articles and emails but no direct mail.
A 50 page PDA 2015 Annual Report has been developed containing charts, graphs, CEO report, and the annual meeting program.
Ms. Kostelac-Cherry reported that due to attrition PDA will be assessed a penalty per its contract with The Hotel Hershey. Due to the long relationship with The Hotel Hershey, PDA was able to negotiate the transfer of the attrition penalty. As a result, PDA will be holding the strategic planning session on May 15 at The Hotel Hershey to offset some of the penalty.
PDA has received the 2016 contract with the Hershey Lodge which includes a minimum $193,216: $153,000 in room block, $4,250 for CE meeting rooms, and $36,000 in food and beverage for breaks and lunches.
PDA Election Process – Appendix K
Dr. Ron Heier requested amending Appendix K, Election Procedure because the ADA Delegates and Alternate Delegates may be unable to reserve lower priced America's Dental Meeting rooms due to the timing of the PDA election in April or May. The goal of the amendment is to move the election to December to allow a separation between the election and annual meeting, less interference with dues collection, and less costly room rates for ADA delegates.
A discussion on the proposal revealed possible issues with the Bylaws if the election is moved to December 1. There would be difficulty in verifying members in good standing and concerns over the length of the election period. Dr. Heier called for a motion but due to a lack of a second, the motion failed.
There was a question on email voting when more than one member uses the same office email address. Ms. Donlin reported that voting is restricted to individuals with a valid email on file. Each PDA member needs to have their own email.
Seed Questions for ADA Roundtable Discussion
Dr. Radack asked the board to consider seed questions for the ADA representatives during the advocacy forum on Friday afternoon at Annual Meeting. The discussion will be roundtable style with short opening statements followed by questions from the audience.
It is believed that a few seed questions would kick start the audience into asking relevant questions.
Dr. Jim Tauberg suggested there be questions covering communication issues. Members have concerns regarding benefits, amalgam, fluoride, mid-level providers, and third-party interference. Communication on the benefits of membership in both dental practice and personal life should be considered.
Dr. Petraitis offered a question regarding concerns with insurance reimbursement rates. Members have experienced increase costs but the reimbursement levels have remained the same for a number of years. Does the membership understand what the ADA/ PDA can do about the issue?
Ms. Kostelac-Cherry offered a question regarding the ADA’s acquisition of a townhouse in Washington, D.C. Would the ADA explain more on what it is and who would be invited to use the facility and for what purposes. Dr. Kwasny explained the townhouse would be used to meet with lobbyists, legislators and staffers for lunch. The location is next to Capital Hill and House members can walk over for lunch with ADA members. Lobbying activity is prohibited but discussion on issues is allowed. The facility is considered a private club with over 100 events planned. There is a reception planned for diamond club members during ADA annual session.
Dr. Kwasny offered a question regarding membership numbers and whether the problem of increasing membership numbers can be solved at the grassroots levels. There is frustration that the ADA is not doing enough. This is a good opportunity to ask questions on this topic.
President Report
Dr. Radack provided a brief update on the Thomas P. Hinman Meeting. It was a great meeting and the speakers were excellent. The practice transition segment was interesting and offered good advice. The program for the 10 year and under new dentists was very innovative. Most of the lectures were focused on new dentists with speakers donating their time.
President-elect’s Report
Dr. Newman commented members often ask what they should do regarding Medicare/ Medicaid Opt in-Opt Out. There is a firm charging $700 to complete the documentation for dentists. What support should PDA provide for members regarding this issue? The ADA recommendation is to wait.
Treasurer Report
Dr. Selcher updated the board on 2014 year end financials for PDA and PDAIS. As a result of child abuse CE programs, PDA has profited $241,000. Due to the Bell acquisition, PDAIS experienced a net loss of $77,000 for the year and no dividend will be paid to PDA. This is an opportune time for PDAIS to take the loss in a year where PDA had unforeseen income.
CEO’s Report
Ms. Kostelac-Cherry provided a staff update. Sara Mattrick from communications has been out on maternity leave and will be resigning to stay home with the baby. Linda Platzer who is a part-time receptionist is planning to retire at the end of May, although there has been no official letter of resignation as of yet.
A new board member orientation will be conducted before the next official board meeting. Please note that all new board members must go through the orientation in order to vote on any issues before the board.
Statistics for the child abuse CE courses identified 5,733 people have attended the course, 82% were member dentists and 18% were non-member dentists. The breakdown for the dental staff who attended showed 91% were staff of PDA members and 9% were staff of non-members. There are two programs scheduled already for the 2017 licensure period.
PDA’s child abuse program was recently conducted for 31 staff members of the Harrisburg School District with a possible opportunity in August to conduct a district-wide program for the teacher in-service session. The Hershey Medical Center has also expressed interest in the PDA course for its entire medical staff.
Ms. Kostelac-Cherry provided an update on Opis Consulting LLC. Communications and cooperation between Mr. Michael Gallery and PDA have been very frustrating. She shared a chronology of attempts to communicate since the letter of agreement was received and signed on March 5. Also there is confusion over the amount of monthly payments; the contractual amount of $24,000 must be paid in full over a 12 month period, not over 24 months as originally indicated.
Ms. Kostelac-Cherry expressed extreme concern over the lack of urgency and communication from Mr. Gallery.