A new rule known as Section 1557, which was put in place by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, affects health organizations that accept federal funds.

The ruling prevents discrimination and imposes requirements to provide translation assistance to those who need it.

When the rules were originally proposed in the fall, the Arizona Dental Association (ADA) submitted comments objecting to certain provisions that place burdens on small dental practices. ADA staff repeatedly requested meetings with OCR staff to discuss the various concerns.

The ADA's Office of Government and Public Affairs is actively pursuing other options to delay the rule, including connecting with dentist members of Congress such as Dr. Paul Gosar to determine the possibility of challenging this.

ADA has prepared information and resources that can be found at www.success.ada.org.