STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed into law two bills authored by State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) aimed at expanding Hoosiers' access to dental care, telehealth services and over-the-counter hearing aids.
House Enrolled Act 1031 updates and modernizes laws related to the practice of dentistry in Indiana to expand access to dental care for Hoosiers. It restructures the State Board of Dentistry to reflect the changing healthcare landscape, cuts red tape, and streamlines the licensure process for qualified, experienced dentists from other states, and Canadian provinces, making Indiana more competitive in attracting top-tier professionals.
“This law helps remove unnecessary regulatory barriers and encourages more dental providers to practice in Indiana,” Goss-Reaves said. “Giving dental professionals more flexibility ensures more Hoosiers can receive the care they need in a timely and safe way.”
The law also allows dentists to remotely supervise dental assistants performing radiographs within correctional facilities, with images sent to the dentist to determine next steps for care. Goss-Reaves said this change helps alleviate strain on dentists who may not be available to provide in-person services at multiple sites.
House Enrolled Act 1572 expands telehealth services and access to over-the-counter hearing aids. Goss-Reaves said more than 200 additional providers are now eligible to offer telehealth services under the updated law. The new law also allows Hoosiers to purchase hearing aids over the counter without requiring them to be sold by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer. While prescription hearing aids can range in cost from $1,000 to $4,000, OTC hearing aids can start as low as $200.
“Expanding telehealth services and reducing barriers to hearing aids will improve access to care for many Hoosiers,” Goss-Reaves said. “Allowing over-the-counter purchase of hearing aids will permit Hoosiers to obtain this life-changing technology at a fraction of the cost and without unnecessary red tape."
Both bills received bipartisan support in the General Assembly and are now law.
To learn more about HEA 1031 and HEA 1572, click here.
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State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) (standing, third from left) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (center, sitting), for a ceremonial signing of her legislation to modernize Indiana's dentistry laws and expand access to dental care for Hoosiers on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Indiana Dental Association representatives and other advocates were also in attendance.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) (far left) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (center, sitting) for a ceremonial signing of her legislation to expand telehealth services and access to over-the-counter hearing aids for Hoosiers on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Other telehealth advocates were also in attendance.
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