SF 3122

2nd Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to health; providing for a limited general dentist license for certain
practitioners; providing for a study of alternative approaches to offering dental
coverage to enrollees of public programs; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 150A.06, by adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 150A.06, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Graduates of nonaccredited dental programs. new text end

new text begin A graduate of a
nonaccredited dental program who successfully completes the clinical licensure
examination and meets all other applicant requirements of the board, shall be licensed to
practice dentistry and granted a limited general dentist license by the board. The board
shall place limitations on the licensee's authority to practice by requiring the licensee to
practice under the general supervision of a Minnesota-licensed dentist approved by the
board. A person licensed under this subdivision must practice for three consecutive years
in Minnesota pursuant to a written agreement, approved by the board, between the licensee
and a Minnesota-licensed dentist who may limit the types of services authorized. At the
conclusion of the three-year period, the board shall grant an unlimited license without
further restrictions if all supervising dentists who had entered into written agreements with
the licensee during any part of the three-year period recommend unlimited licensure, and if
no corrective action or disciplinary action has been taken by the board against the licensee.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin PUBLIC DENTAL COVERAGE PROGRAM STUDY.
new text end

new text begin (a) To the extent that resources are available, the commissioner of human services
shall conduct 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 to be considered by the commissioner 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 commissioner 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 recommended 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 January 15, 2009, the commissioner 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