Permits reimbursement for dental hygienists from "other insurance" or a third party payor such as Medicare.
By permitting public health dental hygienists to operate more autonomously, S2815 could significantly enhance access to dental services, especially for underserved populations. The bill allows these hygienists to be reimbursed for their services, not only under Medicaid but also from other types of insurance and third-party payers like Medicare. This will enable a broader economic support for dental hygiene programs in public health settings, potentially increasing the sustainability of such initiatives.
Senate Bill S2815, introduced by Senator Roger Picard, seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the practice and reimbursement of public health dental hygienists in Rhode Island. The bill specifically allows dental hygienists working in public health settings to perform certain dental-hygiene procedures without direct supervision from a dentist. This change aims to expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists, enabling them to provide vital services in areas with limited access to dental care, such as schools and nursing facilities.
There may be debates surrounding S2815 regarding the safety and quality of dental care provided by hygienists without direct supervision. Opponents may express concerns about the risks associated with allowing hygiene procedures to be performed independently, stressing the importance of dentists' oversight in ensuring patient safety. Advocates for the bill, on the other hand, argue that it addresses a critical gap in access to dental care, particularly for vulnerable populations who may not visit a dentist regularly.
The bill outlines that any public health dental hygienist must enter into a written collaborative agreement with a local or state government agency or institution or a licensed dentist to ensure proper communication and consultation on patient care. Additionally, the necessity of obtaining patient consent and referral to a dentist for further evaluation after procedures is a critical inclusion designed to maintain oversight and patient safety, ensuring that hygienists are supported in their role.