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.