SCS SB 1027 & 815 -- DENTAL CARE

SPONSOR: Sims

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 15 to 0.

This substitute:

(1) Allows physicians to administer fluoride treatments to children;

(2) Establishes the Advisory Commission for Dental Hygienists with 5 members. It will be the duty of the commission to approve educational requirements for hygienists, annually review the practice act, and make recommendations to the State Dental Board;

(3) Allows dental hygienists working in a public setting to provide fluoride treatments, cleaning, and sealants to children who are eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid will reimburse all dentists, dental hygienists, and pediatricians who provide the dental services at 75% of the usual costs incurred as determined by the Division of Medical Services. This provision contains an expiration date of August 28, 2005; and

(4) Allows the Department of Health to contract with the Missouri Dental Board and other organizations to provide certain free dental services to eligible needy, disabled, elderly, and medically compromised individuals.

FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $67,142 to unknown in FY 2001, $79,311 to unknown in FY 2002, and $81,690 to unknown in FY 2003. Costs are expected to exceed $100,000 annually.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the bill gives children the opportunity to receive the fluoride treatments and cleaning they need at an early age.

Testifying for the bill was Senator Sims.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst