SB 152 — Dental Therapy

Summary

Dental Therapy; Authorizing Medicaid to reimburse for dental services provided in a mobile dental unit that is owned by, operated by, or contracted with a health access setting or another similar setting or program; requiring the chair of the Board of Dentistry to appoint a Council on Dental Therapy effective after a specified timeframe; requiring the board to adopt certain rules relating to dental therapists; providing application requirements and examination and licensure qualifications for dental therapists; limiting the practice of dental therapy to specified settings, etc.

Bill Text

• Introduced S 152 Filed Current html

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units and establishes new regulations and definitions related to dental therapy in Florida.

• Section 409.906

  However, Medicaid will not provide reimbursement for dental services provided in a mobile dental unit, except for a mobile dental unit: → However, Medicaid will not provide reimbursement for dental services provided in a mobile dental unit, except for a mobile dental unit: Owned by, operated by, or having a contractual agreement with a health access setting, as defined in s. 466.003(16), or a similar setting or program that serves underserved or vulnerable populations that face serious barriers to accessing dental services, which may include, but is not limited to, Early Head Start programs, homeless shelters, schools, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

  This change allows Medicaid to reimburse for dental services provided in mobile dental units associated with certain health access settings.

• Section 466.001

  The legislative purpose for enacting this chapter is to ensure that every dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice without undue clinical interference by persons not licensed under this chapter. → The legislative purpose for enacting this chapter is to ensure that every dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice without undue clinical interference by persons not licensed under this chapter. It is the legislative intent that dental services be provided only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and not be delegated to unauthorized individuals. It is the further legislative intent that dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing in this state. All provisions of this chapter relating to the practice of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out such purpose and intent.

  This change clarifies the legislative intent regarding safe practice and the accountability of dental professionals.

• Section 466.002

  None → Instructors in Florida schools of dentistry, instructors in dental programs that prepare persons holding D.D.S. or D.M.D. degrees for certification by a specialty board and that are accredited in the United States by January 1, 2005.

  This amendment clarifies exemptions from the operations of dental practice regulations.

• Section 466.003

  None → Defines the terms 'dental therapist' and 'dental therapy'. Revises the definition of the term 'health access setting' to include certain dental therapy programs.

  This change provides clear definitions and expands the understanding of health access settings.

• Section 466.004

  None → Requires the chair of the Board of Dentistry to appoint a Council on Dental Therapy effective after a specified timeframe; provides for membership, meetings, and the purpose of the council.

  This establishes a council to oversee the practice of dental therapy.

• Section 466.006

  None → Revises the definition of 'full-time practice' to include full-time faculty members of certain dental therapy schools.

  This change recognizes faculty in dental therapy programs as part of the full-time practice definition, allowing greater inclusion.

• Section 466.011

  None → Requires the board to certify applicants for licensure as a dental therapist.

  This establishes mandatory certification for dental therapists.

• Section 466.0136

  None → Requires the board to require each licensed dental therapist to complete a specified number of hours of continuing education; authorizes the board to excuse licensees from continuing education requirements in certain circumstances.

  This mandates continuing education for dental therapists to ensure ongoing professional development.

• Section 466.017

  None → Authorizes a dental therapist under the general supervision of a dentist to administer local anesthesia and operate an X-ray machine, expose dental X-ray films, and interpret or read such films if specified requirements are met.

  This expands the scope of practice for dental therapists under supervision.

• Section 466.018

  None → Provides that a dentist remains primarily responsible for the dental treatment of a patient regardless of whether the treatment is provided by a dental therapist.

  This emphasizes the dentist's primary responsibility in patient care even when a dental therapist is involved.

Action History

1. March 14, 2020

   Died in Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

2. March 14, 2020

   Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration

3. February 06, 2020

   On Committee agenda-- Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, 02/11/20, 2:00 pm, 301 Senate Building --Temporarily Postponed

4. January 30, 2020

   On Committee agenda-- Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, 02/04/20, 12:30 pm, 301 Senate Building --Temporarily Postponed

5. January 14, 2020

   Introduced

6. September 03, 2019

   Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; Appropriations

7. August 16, 2019

   Filed

Sponsors

• Brandes · Primary

Subjects