- Introduced -

SB 1027 - This act allows additional persons to provide certain dental treatments to children.

Section 167.181 currently requires children to be immunized. New language states that when a child is receiving an immunization, the physician may also administer the appropriate fluoride treatment to the child. Currently, Section 192.070 requires the Bureau of Child Hygiene to issue educational literature. New language states that such literature should include the importance of routine dental care for children.

Section 332.311 currently prohibits dental hygienists from practicing without the supervision of a dentist. New language creates an exception to this rule by allowing a dental hygienist who is practicing in a public health setting to provide fluoride treatments, teeth cleaning, and sealants, if appropriate, 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 by rule. This provision will expire on August 28, 2005.

ERIN MOTLEY