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Federal and state laws requiring employers to provide COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave and voluntary sick leave tax credits are set to expire Sept. 30; however, several cities and counties in California implemented their own supplemental paid leave ordinances that include small-employer obligations.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, dentists and other prescribers in California must issue electronic-data prescriptions for both controlled and noncontrolled substances with very few exceptions. Paper prescriptions will no longer be allowed by state law. All pharmacies in California must be capable of accepting those prescriptions.

How does your practice navigate unpredictable times? Beyond the challenges of the past year, dentists often face incidents they can’t anticipate or prevent. But they can be prepared and choose how they respond. Reporting every incident, accommodating modified duties and reducing return-to-work risks are important steps.

There’s a rising wave of litigation based on violations of the Americans with Disability Act. In addition to “drive by” lawsuits grounded in physical barriers to access, “click by” lawsuits are being filed in increasing numbers.

Military families will be eligible for Paid Family Leave benefits beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Dental practice owners are encouraged to update their employee handbooks regarding military exigency and Paid Family Leave benefits.

California dentists, physicians and other specified licensees who renew their license beginning in April 2021 will see an increase in the regulatory fee assessed annually to cover the “reasonable costs” associated with operating and maintaining CURES 2.0 ― California’s prescription drug monitoring database.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability rights laws require dental practices, as places of public accommodations, to make their services and facilities accessible to disabled individuals. This includes making a dental practice website accessible to those who are visually impaired. 

New California regulations, that go into effect July 1, prohibit pre-employment inquiries and job applications that may be used to screen out applicants based on their religious creed, disability, medical condition and age.

Most dental facilities that have not already installed an amalgam separator to comply with an Environmental Protection Agency rule must do so by July 14. The EPA rule, published in June 2017, requires dental facilities to collect all waste amalgam.