HR 1781 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To provide disadvantaged children with access to primary dental care services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

March 29, 2007

Mr. DINGELL (for himself, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. HOYER, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. WYNN, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. ROSS, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. ALLEN, Ms. DEGETTE, and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To provide disadvantaged children with access to primary dental care services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--IMPROVING DELIVERY OF PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES UNDER MEDICAID AND SCHIP

Sec. 101. Grants to improve the provision of dental services under Medicaid and SCHIP.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Guarantee of dental benefits under SCHIP.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. State option to provide wrap-around SCHIP coverage to children who have other health coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--CORRECTING GME PAYMENTS FOR DENTAL RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMS

Sec. 201. Limitation on the application of the 1-year lag in the Indirect Medical Education ratio (IME) changes and the 3-year rolling average for counting interns and residents for IME and Direct Graduate Medical Education (D-GME) payments under the Medicare program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--IMPROVING DELIVERY OF PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES UNDER COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, AND THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

Sec. 301. Grants to improve the provision of dental health services through community health centers and public health departments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 302. Dental officer multiyear retention bonus for the Indian health service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 303. Demonstration projects to increase access to pediatric dental services in underserved areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 304. Technical correction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Sec. 401. Oral health initiative.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 402. CDC reports.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 403. Early childhood caries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 404. School-based dental sealant program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 405. Basic oral health promotion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--IMPROVING DELIVERY OF PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES UNDER MEDICAID AND SCHIP

SEC. 101. GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF DENTAL SERVICES UNDER MEDICAID AND SCHIP.

Title V of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 511. GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF DENTAL SERVICES UNDER MEDICAID AND SCHIP.

`(a) Authority To Make Grants- In addition to any other payments made under this title to a State, the Secretary shall award grants to States that satisfy the requirements of subsection (b) to improve the provision of dental services to children who are enrolled in a State plan under title XIX or a State child health plan under title XXI (in this section, collectively referred to as the `State plans').CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Requirements- In order to be eligible for a grant under this section, a State shall provide the Secretary with the following assurances:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY- The State shall have a plan to improve the delivery of dental services to children, including children with special health care needs, who are enrolled in the State plans, including providing outreach and administrative case management, improving collection and reporting of claims data, and providing incentives, in addition to raising reimbursement rates, to increase provider participation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ADEQUATE PAYMENT RATES- The State has provided for payment under the State plans for dental services for children at levels consistent with the market-based rates and sufficient enough to enlist providers to treat children in need of dental services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ENSURED ACCESS- The State shall ensure it will make dental services available to children enrolled in the State plans to the same extent as such services are available to the pediatric population of the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Funds provided under this section may be used to provide administrative resources (such as program development, provider training, data collection and analysis, research-related tasks, demonstration programs, and technical assistance) to assist States in providing and assessing services that include preventive and therapeutic dental care regimens.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) LIMITATION- Funds provided under this section may not be used for payment of direct dental, medical, or other services or to obtain Federal matching funds under any Federal program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Application- A State shall submit an application to the Secretary for a grant under this section in such form and manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to make grants under this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Application of Other Provisions of Title-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2), the other provisions of this title shall not apply to a grant made under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) EXCEPTIONS- The following provisions of this title shall apply to a grant made under subsection (a) to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to allotments made under section 502(c):CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) Section 504(b)(6) (relating to prohibition on payments to excluded individuals and entities).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Section 504(c) (relating to the use of funds for the purchase of technical assistance).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Section 504(d) (relating to a limitation on administrative expenditures).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Section 506 (relating to reports and audits), but only to the extent determined by the Secretary to be appropriate for grants made under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) Section 507 (relating to penalties for false statements).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) Section 508 (relating to nondiscrimination).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) Section 509 (relating to the administration of the grant program).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. GUARANTEE OF DENTAL BENEFITS UNDER SCHIP.

(a) In General- Section 2103(c)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397cc(c)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) Dental services described in section 1905(r)(3) and provided in accordance with 1902(a)(43).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Information Reporting- Section 2108 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397hh) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Information on Dental Services-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Each State shall submit to the Secretary, not less frequently than annually and in a form and manner specified by the Secretary, the following information with respect to the provision of the care and services described in section 1905(r)(3) under the State child health plan to targeted low-income children enrolled in the plan at any time during the fiscal year involved:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) The number of such enrolled children by age grouping.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) For children within each such age grouping, information of the type contained in questions 12(a)-(c) of CMS Form 416 that consists of the number of enrolled targeted low income children who receive any, preventive, or restorative care described in such section under the State plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) For the age grouping that includes age 8, the number of enrolled targeted low-income children who receive a protective sealant on at least one permanent molar tooth.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF REPORTS- The Secretary shall post on the public website of the Secretary of Health and Human Services the results of information most recently reported under paragraph (1). The Secretary shall include in such posting information, by age grouping beginning with dental visits occurring by age one, on the estimated national averages for all States with respect to such information.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Effective Dates-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) INCLUSION OF DENTAL BENEFITS- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2008, and shall apply to child health assistance provided on or after that date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORTING- The amendment made by subsection (b) shall apply to reports for years after the effective date described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. STATE OPTION TO PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND SCHIP COVERAGE TO CHILDREN WHO HAVE OTHER HEALTH COVERAGE.

(a) In General-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) SCHIP-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) STATE OPTION TO PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND COVERAGE- Section 2110(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397jj(b)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting `, subject to paragraph (5),' after `under title XIX or'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) STATE OPTION TO PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND COVERAGE- A State may waive the requirement of paragraph (1)(C) that a targeted low-income child may not be covered under a group health plan or under health insurance coverage, if the State satisfies the conditions described in section 2105(c)(8). The State may waive such requirement in order to provide--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) dental services described in section 2103(c)(1)(E); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B)(i) benefits for items or services that are not covered, or are only partially covered, under such plan; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) protection against incurring out of-pocket costs (including premiums) in excess of the limitations otherwise applicable to a targeted low-income child with the same family income.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





In waiving such requirement, a State may limit the application of the waiver to children whose family income does not exceed a level specified by the State, so long as the level so specified does not exceed the maximum income level otherwise established for other children under the State child health plan.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) CONDITIONS DESCRIBED- Section 2105(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) CONDITIONS FOR PROVISION OF WRAP-AROUND COVERAGE- For purposes of section 2110(b)(5), the conditions described in this paragraph are the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) INCOME ELIGIBILITY- The State child health plan (whether implemented under title XIX or this title)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) has the highest income eligibility standard permitted under this title as of January 1, 2008;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) subject to subparagraph (B), does not limit the acceptance of applications for children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) provides benefits to all children in the State who apply for and meet eligibility standards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) NO WAITING LIST IMPOSED- With respect to all targeted low-income children, the State does not impose any numerical limitation, waiting list, or similar limitation on the eligibility of such children for child health assistance under such State plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) NO MORE FAVORABLE TREATMENT- The State child health plan may not provide more favorable coverage of dental services to the children covered under section 2110(b)(5) than to children otherwise covered under this title.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) STATE OPTION TO WAIVE WAITING PERIOD- Section 2102(b)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397bb(b)(1)(B)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) in clause (i), by striking `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting `; and'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) at State option, may not apply a waiting period in the case of a child described in section 2110(b)(5), if the State satisfies the requirements of section 2105(c)(8).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) APPLICATION OF ENHANCED MATCH UNDER MEDICAID- Section 1905 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in subsection (b), in the fourth sentence, by striking `or subsection (u)(3)' and inserting `(u)(3), or (u)(4)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subsection (u)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) For purposes of subsection (b), the expenditures described in this paragraph are expenditures for items and services for children described in section 2110(b)(5), but only in the case of a State that satisfies the requirements of section 2105(c)(8).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) APPLICATION OF SECONDARY PAYER PROVISIONS- Section 2107(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397gg(e)(1)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Section 1902(a)(25) (relating to coordination of benefits and secondary payer provisions) with respect to children covered under a waiver described in section 2110(b)(5).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2008, and shall apply to child health assistance and medical assistance provided on or after that date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--CORRECTING GME PAYMENTS FOR DENTAL RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMS

SEC. 201. LIMITATION ON THE APPLICATION OF THE 1-YEAR LAG IN THE INDIRECT MEDICAL EDUCATION RATIO (IME) CHANGES AND THE 3-YEAR ROLLING AVERAGE FOR COUNTING INTERNS AND RESIDENTS FOR IME AND DIRECT GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (D-GME) PAYMENTS UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.

(a) IME Ratio and Rolling Average- Section 1886(d)(5)(B)(vi) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)(vi)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: `For cost reporting periods beginning during fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007, subclauses (I) and (II) shall be applied only with respect to a hospital's approved medical residency training program in the fields of allopathic medicine and osteopathic medicine.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) D-GME Rolling Average- Section 1886(h)(4)(G) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(4)(G)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) APPLICATION FOR FY 2008 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS- For cost reporting periods beginning during fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007, clauses (i) through (iii) shall be applied only with respect to a hospital's approved medical residency training program in the fields of allopathic medicine and osteopathic medicine.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--IMPROVING DELIVERY OF PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES UNDER COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, AND THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

SEC. 301. GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.

Subpart I of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 330M. GRANT PROGRAM TO EXPAND THE AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES.

`(a) In General- The Secretary, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall establish a program under which the Secretary may award grants to eligible entities and eligible individuals to expand the availability of primary dental care services in dental health professional shortage areas and medically underserved areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Eligibility-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ENTITIES- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section an entity--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a health center receiving funds under section 330 or designated as a Federally qualified health center;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a county or local public health department, if located in a federally-designated dental health professional shortage area;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) an Indian tribe or tribal organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b));CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) a dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) a community-based program the child service population of which is made up of at least 33 percent of children who are eligible children, including at least 25 percent of such children being children with mental retardation or related developmental disabilities, unless specific documentation of a lack of need for access by this sub-population is established; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including information concerning dental provider capacity to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) INDIVIDUALS- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section an individual shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) be a dental health professional licensed or certified in accordance with the laws of State in which such individual provides dental services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) provide assurances that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the individual will practice in a federally-designated dental health professional shortage area; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) not less than 25 percent of the patients of such individual are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) receiving assistance under a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) receiving assistance under a State plan under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) uninsured.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ENTITIES- An entity shall use amounts received under a grant under this section to provide for the increased availability of primary dental services in the areas described in subsection (a). Such amounts may be used to supplement the salaries offered for individuals accepting employment as dentists in such areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) INDIVIDUALS- A grant to an individual under subsection (a) shall be in the form of a $1,000 bonus payment for each month in which such individual is in compliance with the eligibility requirements of subsection (b)(2)(C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Primary Dental Care Services Defined- For purposes of this section, the term `primary dental care services' means dental services necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions, and includes dental services described in section 1905(r)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(r)(3)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Authorization of Appropriations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other amounts appropriated under section 330 for health centers, there is authorized to be appropriated $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to hire and retain dental health care providers under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) USE OF FUNDS- Of the amount appropriated for a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) not less than 65 percent of such amount to make grants to eligible entities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) not more than 35 percent of such amount to make grants to eligible individuals.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 302. DENTAL OFFICER MULTIYEAR RETENTION BONUS FOR THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE.

(a) Terms and Definitions- In this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) CREDITABLE SERVICE- The term `creditable service' includes all periods that a dental officer spent in graduate dental educational (GDE) training programs while not on active duty in the Indian Health Service and all periods of active duty in the Indian Health Service as a dental officer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) DENTAL OFFICER- The term `dental officer' means an officer of the Indian Health Service designated as a dental officer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) DIRECTOR- The term `Director' means the Director of the Indian Health Service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) RESIDENCY- The term `residency' means a graduate dental educational (GDE) training program of at least 12 months leading to a specialty, including general practice residency (GPR) or an advanced education general dentistry (AEGD).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) SPECIALTY- The term `specialty' means a dental specialty for which there is an Indian Health Service specialty code number.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Requirements for Bonus-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- An eligible dental officer of the Indian Health Service who executes a written agreement to remain on active duty for 2, 3, or 4 years after the completion of any other active duty service commitment to the Indian Health Service may, upon acceptance of the written agreement by the Director, be authorized to receive a dental officer multiyear retention bonus under this section. The Director may, based on requirements of the Indian Health Service, decline to offer such a retention bonus to any specialty that is otherwise eligible, or to restrict the length of such a retention bonus contract for a specialty to less than 4 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) LIMITATIONS- Each annual dental officer multiyear retention bonus authorized under this section shall not exceed the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) $50,000 for a 4-year written agreement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) $10,000 for a 3-year written agreement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) $8,000 for a 2-year written agreement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Eligibility-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- In order to be eligible to receive a dental officer multiyear retention bonus under this section, a dental officer shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) be at or below such grade as the Director shall determine;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) have completed any active duty service commitment of the Indian Health Service incurred for dental education and training or have 8 years of creditable service;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) have completed initial residency training, or be scheduled to complete initial residency training before September 30 of the fiscal year in which the officer enters into a dental officer multiyear retention bonus written service agreement under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) have a recognized dental specialty.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EXTENSION TO OTHER OFFICERS- The Director may extend the retention bonus to dental officers other than officers with a dental specialty in pediatric dentistry, as well as to other dental hygienists with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, based on demonstrated need.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Termination of Entitlement to Special Pay- The Director may terminate, with cause, at any time a dental officer's multiyear retention bonus contract under this section. If such a contract is terminated, the unserved portion of the retention bonus contract shall be recouped on a pro rata basis. The Director shall establish regulations that specify the conditions and procedures under which termination may take place. The regulations and conditions for termination shall be included in the written service contract for a dental officer multiyear retention bonus under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Refunds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Prorated refunds shall be required for sums paid under a retention bonus contract under this section if a dental officer who has received the retention bonus fails to complete the total period of service specified in the contract, as conditions and circumstances warrant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) DEBT TO UNITED STATES- An obligation to reimburse the United States imposed under paragraph (1) is a debt owed to the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) NO DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a discharge in bankruptcy under title 11, United States Code, that is entered less than 5 years after the termination of a retention bonus contract under this section does not discharge the dental officer who signed such a contract from a debt arising under the contract or under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 303. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS.

(a) Authority To Conduct Projects- The Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Director of the Indian Health Service, shall establish demonstration projects that are designed to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas, as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 304. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

Section 340G(b)(1)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 256g(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking `and' at the end and inserting `or'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

SEC. 401. ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE.

(a) Establishment- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish an oral health initiative to reduce the profound disparities in oral health by improving the health status of vulnerable populations, particularly low-income children, children with developmental disabilities, and ethnic and racial minority populations that experience a disproportionate level of dental disease, to the level of health status that is enjoyed by the majority of people in the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Activities- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, through the oral health initiative--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) carry out activities to improve intra-agency and inter-agency collaborations, including activities to identify, engage, and encourage existing Federal and State programs to maximize their potential to address oral health;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) carry out activities to encourage public-private partnerships to engage private sector communities of interest (including health professionals, educators, State policymakers, foundations, business, and the public) in partnerships that promote oral health and dental care, in addition to allowing for contractual relationships between federally qualified health centers and private dental providers to increase access to dental care for adults and children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) carry out activities to reduce the disease burden in high risk populations through the application of best-science in oral health, including programs such as community water fluoridation and dental sealants;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) carry out activities to improve the oral health literacy of the public through school-based education programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) provide for the development, implementation, or integration of outreach and education programs to families of children enrolled in Medicaid or SCHIP, particularly such children who are members of populations that experience oral health disparities, that increase awareness of dental coverage, when to seek dental services, and how to obtain such services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Coordination- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, establish the Chief Dental Officer for the Medicaid and State children's health insurance programs established under titles XIX and XXI, respectively, of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. 1397aa et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, establish the Chief Dental Office for all oral health programs within the Health Resources and Services Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, establish the Chief Dental Officer for all oral health programs within such Centers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) carry out this section in collaboration with the Administrators and Chief Dental Officers described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 402. CDC REPORTS.

(a) Collection of Data- The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with other organizations and agencies, shall collect data through State-based oral health surveillance systems describing the dental, craniofacial, and oral health of residents of all 50 States and certain Indian tribes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Reports- The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall compile and analyze data collection under subsection (a) and annually prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning the oral health of States and Indian tribes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 403. EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) expand existing surveillance activities to include children at high risk of early childhood caries, including sub-populations such as children with developmental disabilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) assist State, local, and tribal health agencies and departments in collecting, analyzing and disseminating data on early childhood caries; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) develop, implement, and evaluate programs that promote comprehensive approaches and public education programs to prevent early childhood caries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Appropriateness of Activities- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall carry out programs and activities under subsection (a) in a culturally competent manner with respect to populations at risk of early childhood caries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 404. SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL SEALANT PROGRAM.

Section 317M(c) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-14(c)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting `and school-linked' after `school-based';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in the first sentence of paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by inserting `and school-linked' after `school-based'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by inserting `or Indian tribe' after `State'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible to receive funds under paragraph (1), an entity shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) prepare and submit to the State or Indian tribe an application at such time, in such manner and containing such information as the State or Indian tribe may require; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) be a--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) public elementary or secondary school--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) that is located in an urban area in which more than 50 percent of the student population is participating in Federal or State free or reduced meal programs; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) that is located in a rural area and, with respect to the school district in which the school is located, the district involved has a median income that is at or below 235 percent of the poverty line, as defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) public or non-profit organization, including a grantee under section 330 and urban Indian clinics under title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, that is under contract with an elementary or secondary school described in subparagraph (B) to provide dental services to school-age children.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 405. BASIC ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in consultation with dental organizations (including organizations having expertise in the prevention and treatment of oral disease in underserved pediatric populations), shall award grants to States and Indian tribes to improve the basic capacity of such States and tribes to improve the oral health of children and their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Requirements- A State or Indian tribe shall use amounts received under a grant under this section to conduct one or more of the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Establish an oral health plan, oral health policies, effective prevention programs, and accountability measures and systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Establish and guide coalitions, partnerships, and alliances to accomplish the establishment of the plan, policies, programs, and systems under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Monitor changes in oral disease burden, disparities, and the utilization of preventive services by high-risk populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Identify, test, establish, support, and evaluate prevention interventions to reduce oral health disparities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Promote public awareness and education in support of improvements of oral health.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Support training programs for dental and other health professions needed to strengthen oral health prevention programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Establish, enhance, or expand oral disease prevention and disparity reduction programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) Evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the State's oral disease prevention and disparity reduction program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $58,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink