HF 3254

1st Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing dental school student scholarship program;
requiring a study on community dental health coordinator and public dental
coverage program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144.1501, by
adding a subdivision; repealing Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 5,
section 11.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144.1501, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Dental school student scholarship program. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may
award up to three scholarships each year to:
new text end

new text begin (1) internationally trained dental students who enroll in the Program for Advanced
Standing Students at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and who agree
upon graduation from the program and licensure in Minnesota to provide dental services
through a nonprofit organization, community clinic, or federally qualified community
health center for a period of at least three years; or
new text end

new text begin (2) current dental school students who agree after graduation to provide dental
services in Minnesota through a nonprofit organization, community clinic, or federally
qualified community health center for a period of at least three years.
new text end

new text begin Scholarships awarded under the program must be at least $30,000 each year that the
graduates provide care under the scholarship agreement.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of health shall study the feasibility of the creation and use of
community dental health coordinators to help provide dental care access and education
to specific populations in need of dental care under state programs. The commissioner
shall consider the education and training requirements of this new position as developed
by the American Dental Association and the success of this position in other states
piloting the use of community dental health coordinators. The commissioner shall report
to the legislature by January 2009 on whether the state should consider certification or
registration of community dental health coordinators in Minnesota.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin PUBLIC DENTAL COVERAGE PROGRAM STUDY.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services shall undertake a study to determine
whether alternative approaches to offering dental coverage to public programs enrollees
would result in:
new text end

new text begin (1) improved access to dental care;
new text end

new text begin (2) cost savings to providers and the department; and
new text end

new text begin (3) improved quality and outcomes of care.
new text end

new text begin Alternatives considered shall include moving to a single dental plan administrator,
retaining the current model, and other innovative approaches. Issues relating to chronic
disease management, medical and dental interface, plan payment approaches, and provider
payment should also be addressed. The report must make a recommendation on whether
to alter the current approach to contracting for dental services, and include a detailed
plan on how to implement any changes. The commissioner shall consult with dentists,
safety net dental providers, dental plans, health plans and county-based purchasing
organizations, patients and advocates, and other interested parties in developing their
findings and recommendations.
new text end

new text begin (b) By December 15, 2008, the commissioner of human services shall report findings
and recommendations to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees
having jurisdiction over health and human services policy and finance.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 5, section 11, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end