Bill Text: CA SB154 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled


Bill Title: Medi-Cal: restorative dental services.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Vetoed) 2020-01-13 - Veto sustained. [SB154 Detail]

Download: California-2019-SB154-Enrolled.html

Enrolled  September 11, 2019
Passed  IN  Senate  May 23, 2019
Passed  IN  Assembly  September 09, 2019

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill
No. 154


Introduced by Senator Pan

January 23, 2019


An act to add Section 14132.225 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 154, Pan. Medi-Cal: restorative dental services.
Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law includes emergency and essential diagnostic and restorative dental services, and dental prophylaxis cleanings and dental examinations within the scope of benefits that may be provided to eligible recipients under the Medi-Cal program. Existing law authorizes specified Medi-Cal providers to recommend, after consultation with the beneficiary, and to receive reimbursement for, certain dental restorative materials other than the covered benefit of amalgam.
This bill would authorize a provider of services for the treatment of dental caries to provide, and receive reimbursement for, the application of silver diamine fluoride when used as a caries arresting agent, as specified, if the provider first consults with the beneficiary and obtains written informed consent, and if the treatment is included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, to the extent that federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained. The bill would permit a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice who meets the requirements of the bill to bill for the services described in the bill. The bill would limit availability of the described services to specified Medi-Cal beneficiary populations. The bill would authorize the department to implement its provisions by means of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking further regulatory action.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 14132.225 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, immediately following Section 14132.22, to read:

14132.225.
 (a) A provider of services for the treatment of dental caries may provide, and receive reimbursement for, the application of silver diamine fluoride, on a per-tooth basis, when used to arrest an active, nonsymptomatic carious lesion, and without mechanical removal of sound tooth structure, if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) There is a consultation with the beneficiary, or their designee.
(2) The beneficiary, or their designee, signs a written informed consent form that is approved by the department.
(3) The treatment is part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
(b) This section does not preclude the use of silver diamine fluoride for preventive services, when appropriate.
(c) A registered dental hygienist in alternative practice may bill for this benefit when all the requirements of paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (a) are met.
(d) This benefit shall be limited to the following Medi-Cal populations:
(1) Children six years of age and under.
(2) Persons with disabilities or other underlying conditions such that nonrestorative caries treatment may be optimal.
(3) Adults who live in a licensed skilled nursing facility or licensed intermediate care facility.
(e) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that both of the following occur:
(1) The department obtains any federal approvals necessary to implement this section.
(2) The department obtains federal matching funds to the extent permitted by federal law.
(f) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement this section by means of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking further regulatory action.

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