The Rhode Island House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would expand reimbursement options for services provided by public health dental hygienists.
Five notes:
1. Hygienists who provide services in public health settings are currently only allowed to be reimbursed from Medicaid and other state insurance programs, with limited exceptions.
2. HB 7837 would allow these hygienists to be reimbursed from other insurers.
3. The bill also expands the definition of public health setting to include additional places where hygienists can practice without being under the direct supervision of a dentist.
4. The bill now sits with the state Senate for consideration.
5. If passed, the bill would go into effect immediately.
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