HCS/SB 974 - This act modifies provisions relating to hospital services and dental services.

Section 92.031 - Allows cities to impose a separate annual tax levy for debt service and one for capital expenditures and operating expenses for hospitals, public health, recreation, and museum purposes. If a city does so, the limitations on individual and total annual tax levy rates for both will not apply. The tax levy rate for capital improvements and operating expenses for the above purposes may be increased by a vote of the people.

Section 192.911 - Removes sections 191.411 and 167.600 to 167.621 from the provision that certain programs and initiatives will be funded by federal funds and other specified funding.

Section 191.213 - Provides that state expenditures for programs and initiatives enacted by sections 191.411 and 167.600 to 167.621 may be funded by federal funds, general revenue funds, and other appropriated funds.

Section 191.411 - Currently requires the director of the Department of Health to define a system of health care services for all persons. New language includes the encouragement of dentists located in shortage areas.

Section 192.070 - Adds the requirement that the Bureau of Child Hygiene must include the importance of routine dental care for children in its educational literature.

Section 332. 086 - Establishes a five-member "Advisory Commission for Dental Hygienists" which shall include the dental hygienist currently serving on the Missouri Dental Board. All members shall be appointed by April 1, 2001. This portion of the act is similar to HB 1413.

Section 332.311 - Currently prohibits dental hygienists from practicing without the supervision of a dentist. This act creates an exception by allowing a dental hygienist practicing in a public health setting to provide fluoride treatments, teeth cleaning, and sealants to children who are eligible for Medicaid. These procedures may be done without the supervision of a dentist. Medicaid shall reimburse all dentists, dental hygienists and pediatricians who provide the above services at seventy-five percent of the usual and customary cost, which will be determined by the Division of Medical Services. Public health settings will be defined jointly by the Department of Health and the Missouri Dental Board. This provision will expire on August 28, 2005. This provision is similar to SCS/SBs 1027 & 815.

Section 332.324 - Allows the establishment of a donated dental services program for certain eligible persons. The Department of Health may contract with the Missouri Dental Board or other organizations to provide certain free dental services to eligible needy, disabled, elderly, and medically-compromised individuals. The administering organization must submit an annual report to the Department and the Department must establish eligibility criteria. This provision is similar to SCS/SBs 1027 & 815.
ERIN MOTLEY