SB 949 - This act requires the Division of Medical Services within the Department of Social Services to establish and implement a process for managing dental benefits for public assistance recipients. Various methodologies, programs, and practices can be used to determine the medical necessity and appropriateness of a recipient's treatment. The division is allowed to place coverage limits on dental services, excluding state and federally mandated services. The limits must be determined by sound clinical practice guidelines.
The division shall establish a statewide uniform dental program and contract with a single entity to provide dental program management service coordination.
The division is prohibited from requiring a dentist to alter a patient's previous course of treatment unless the alteration is warranted by the patient's condition as initiated by the dentist. Any decision regarding limitations imposed on any dental benefit shall be based on sound clinical practice guidelines.
This act is similar to SB 321 (2005).
ADRIANE CROUSE