2001 Minnesota Statutes

     256B.55 Dental access advisory committee. 

    Subdivision 1.    Establishment.  The commissioner shall 
 establish a dental access advisory committee to monitor the 
 purchasing, administration, and coverage of dental care services 
 for the public health care programs to ensure dental care access 
 and quality for public program recipients.  

    Subd. 2.    Membership.  (a) The membership of the 
 advisory committee shall include, but is not limited to, 
 representatives of dentists, including a dentist practicing in 
 the seven-county metropolitan area and a dentist practicing 
 outside the seven-county metropolitan area; oral surgeons; 
 pediatric dentists; dental hygienists; community clinics; client 
 advocacy groups; public health; health service plans; the 
 University of Minnesota school of dentistry and the department 
 of pediatrics; and the commissioner of health.  

    (b) The advisory committee is governed by section 15.059 
 for membership terms and removal of members.  Members shall not 
 receive per diem compensation or reimbursement for expenses.  

    Subd. 3.    Duties.  The advisory committee shall 
 provide recommendations on the following: 

    (1) how to reduce the administrative burden governing 
 dental care coverage policies in order to promote administrative 
 simplification, including prior authorization, coverage limits, 
 and co-payment collections; 

    (2) developing and implementing an action plan to improve 
 the oral health of children and persons with special needs in 
 the state; 

    (3) exploring alternative ways of purchasing and improving 
 access to dental services; 

    (4) developing ways to foster greater responsibility among 
 health care program recipients in seeking and obtaining dental 
 care, including initiatives to keep dental appointments and 
 comply with dental care plans; 

    (5) exploring innovative ways for dental providers to 
 schedule public program patients in order to reduce or minimize 
 the effect of appointment no shows; 

    (6) exploring ways to meet the barriers that may be present 
 in providing dental services to health care program recipients 
 such as language, culture, disability, and lack of 
 transportation; and 

    (7) exploring the possibility of pediatricians, family 
 physicians, and nurse practitioners providing basic oral health 
 screenings and basic preventive dental services.  

    Subd. 4.    Report.  The commissioner shall submit a 
 report by February 1, 2002, and by February 1, 2003, summarizing 
 the activities and recommendations of the advisory committee. 

    Subd. 5.    Sunset.  Notwithstanding section 15.059, 
 subdivision 5, this section expires June 30, 2003.  

    HIST: 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 48