Permits dentists to administer influenza and COVID vaccinations and vaccinations related to a public health emergency

• Democratic3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Toby Ann Stavisky says this is needed

Since the authorizing Executive Order expired in June 2021, dentists are no longer Permitted to administer COVID-19, influenza vaccinations, and other vaccinations related to public health emergencies. Every dentist in New York must have a four-year undergraduate degree, complete four years of dental school, complete a one-year residency program, and pass a National Dental Board examination. Dentists can administer Novocain and other injectable medications. From a clinical perspective, dentists certainly are just as qualified to administer vaccines as other profes- sionals, such as pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, and other, health Paraprofessionals currently authorized to administer vaccines. Dentists frequently communicate with primary care professionals and other medical professionals to provide wholistic care around a patient. This is particularly true where the dentist works in or with a federally qualified health clinic (FQHC). FQHCs provide a wide range of services including specialty, dental, sexual health, and Primary and preventive care -- to underserved communities. Allowing dentists to administer vaccinations provides patients with immediate access. Dentists can address questions and, when appropriate, administer vaccinations when a patient is already at a medical appoint- ment. This saves the patient from having to go somewhere else, take additional time off from work or school and/or find someone to take care of a family member.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.