Government Affairs Council

Meeting Minutes

June 11, 2010 | June 2, 2010 | March 2010
December 2009 | June 2009 | March 2009

Mission Statement

To support and advance the interests and the strategic plan of CDA by implementing CDA policy through state legislation, regulation, or administrative action, and to raise the profile and level of understanding of the dental profession in these arenas.

Primary Duties

To initiate legislation on behalf of CDA that implements CDA policies and/or resolutions.
To review legislation introduced by others and to evaluate its effect on the practice of dentistry and Californians’ oral health and to establish CDA positions on such legislation.
To monitor and assess the activities of state regulatory boards and agencies as to their potential impact on dentistry and Californians’ oral health and to take appropriate action based on CDA policies and resolutions.
To lobby and negotiate on CDA's behalf on legislative or regulatory proposals pending before the State Legislature, the Governor's Office, or state regulatory boards or agencies while maintaining the intent and integrity of CDA policies and/or resolutions.
To evaluate the implementation and administration of previously enacted legislation.
To convey information regarding the Council’s activities to CDA membership through a system of verbal and written communications.
To make recommendations regarding candidates for appointment to state boards, commissions and committees.
Appoint workgroups as necessary to assess specific issues as required.
To review matters referred to the council by the House of Delegates, the Board of Trustees or other CDA councils or workgroups.

Powers

In addition to any duties assigned to it by the Board of Trustees and the House of Delegates, the Government Affairs Council shall have the authority on behalf of CDA to negotiate and take positions on legislation or regulations proposed or established by the state of California. All negotiations shall be pursued in such a manner as to reflect the intent and integrity of its membership, California Dental Association policy or resolution.

Time Requirements

Council meetings (per year): 3 one-day meetings and a 2-day meeting
Annual Legislative Conference Workgroups or subcommittees: Serve as necessary

Qualifications, Special Skills and Knowledge

Should be able to commit enough time to read and evaluate periodic communications or mailings, including but not limited to legislative bills and proposed regulations, from the Public Policy Division and provide feedback to Council chair and staff as required
Should have or be willing to develop bipartisan political relationships
Should be able to represent CDA’s position on legislative and regulatory activities to CDA members and the public regardless of personal views
Knowledge of the Dental Practice Act and dental law and ethics
Some leadership experience in a component, specialty or service organization

Composition and Terms of Office

The Government Affairs Council shall be composed of 15 members.

The term of office for at-large members shall be two years. The tenure shall be three terms.

Current Council Members	Component
Jean L. Creasey, DDS, Chair	Butte-Sierra District DS
Thomas W. Campbell, DDS	Napa-Solano DS
Santos Cortez, Jr. DDS	Harbor DS
Daniel G. Davidson, DMD	San Francisco DS
Peter A. DuBois
John P. Ducar, DDS	Western Los Angeles DS
Robert J. Hanlon, Jr, DMD	San Diego County DS
James E. Mertzel, DDS	San Fernando Valley DS
Ned L. Nix, DDS	Santa Clara County DS
Donald M. Schinnerer, DDS	Contra Costa DS
Andreia M. Silvera, DDS	Western Los Angeles DS
Andrew P. Soderstrom, DDS	Stanislaus DS
Thomas H. Stewart, DDS	Kern County DS
Ariane R. Terlet, DDS	Berkeley DS
James D. Wood, DDS, Guest	Redwood Empire DS
Staff Support: Liz Snow Chief Operating Officer liz.snow@cda.org