CCS/HS/SCS/SB 393 - This act expands provisions regarding dental services.

Current law designates immunization requirements for children. This act allows physicians to administer fluoride treatments to a child's teeth during such immunizations.(Section 167.181).

Currently, Section 191.211, RSMo, requires that state expenditures for all new programs enacted by certain sections be exclusively funded by federal funds or proceeds from cigarette taxes. References to Sections 167.600 - 167.621, 191.411 and 192.013, RSMo, are removed. A new Section 191.213 is created to provide that state expenditures for Department programs may be funded through additional funds. Section 191.411 currently requires the Director of the Department to establish coordinated health care services throughout the state. New language clarifies that the plan should encourage the location of health care practitioners, including dentists, in rural and urban areas of the state, and particularly in health resource shortage areas. This portion of the act is substantially similar to SB 434 and HB 384. (Sections 191.211 - 191.411).

Currently the Medical School Loan Repayment Program is established for medical and chiropractic students. The Department of Health agrees to pay a portion of a student's school loans in exchange for his or her agreement to practice in a community in need of health care services. This act adds dental students to this program and changes the name to Health Professional Student Loan Repayment Program. This act also allows participants to practice in a Primary Care or Dental Health Care Professional Shortage Area. The Department may pay up to the maximum amounts allowed under federal loan repayment programs. (Sections 191.600 - 191.615).

Under current law, the Bureau of Child Hygiene must issue educational literature. This act requires the Department to include the importance of routine dental care for children in the materials. (Section 192.070).

Currently, dentists or dental hygienists are allowed to provide gratuitous dental services to a summer camp for no more than fourteen days per year. This act removes the reference to summer camps, thus allowing such dental services to be provided anywhere, as long as it is for no more than fourteen days per year. (Section 332.072).

A five member Advisory Commission for Dental Hygienists is established to make recommendations to the Missouri Dental Board. It shall include the dental hygienist currently serving on the Dental Board. All members shall be appointed by April 1, 2002. (Section 332.086).

Current law lists procedures for the licensure of dentists and dental hygienists. This act revises both procedures by changing practice hour and continuing education requirements. It also allows practitioners to be placed on inactive lists. In any order of revocation of a license, the Board may prohibit application for licensure for one year or more. (Sections 332.181, 332.261 and 332.321).

Currently, dental hygienists are prohibited 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, 2006. (Section 332.311).

A donated dental services program is established 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. (Section 332.324).

This act authorizes state support of federally qualified health centers (FQHC). A new Section allows the Department of Social Services to contract with and provide funding support to all FQHCs in Missouri. Such funds will be used by FQHCs for health care to underserved populations, for capital expenditures when federal funds are not available, and for other services such as dental care and mental health services. This provision is identical to SB 99. (Section 660.026).

A new section defines the services included in dental primary care and preventive health services. (Section 1).

Portions of this act are substantially similar to SBs 46 & 47. This act contains an emergency clause for certain sections.
ERIN MOTLEY