SB 6359

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6359

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 06, 2008

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6359 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Marr.

Background: The 2007 Legislature passed E2SSB 5930 which directed the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop a five-year plan to change reimbursement within their health care programs. The initial plan to improve health care quality has been submitted and reflects a broad strategic plan to impact the health care system, however the dental programs are not specifically identified.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Health Care Authority and DSHS are directed to develop a five-year plan to change the way dental care is delivered and reimbursed within their health care programs. The reimbursement approach should: reward quality dental outcomes; pay for care that reflects patient preference and is of proven value; require the use of evidence-based standards of care; tie provider rate increases to measurable improvements in access to quality care; direct enrollees to quality care systems; and better support primary prevention and provide incentives for enrollees to enter and remain in a dental practice. The plan must examine successful modes like the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program, and the plan must include a design for a public awareness campaign. The report to the Legislature is due September 1, 2008, and it must identify barriers and opportunities to implementation, the goals the plan is intended to achieve, and how progress will be measured.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The plan must examine successful models like the ABCD program, and the plan must include a design for a public awareness campaign. The community health centers are added to the list of stakeholders involved in the plan development.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: There is interest in improving dental care and access to dental care, particularly for primary care. It is important to brings kids in at an early age and connect them to a dental home. We share the vision for improving dental care and incorporating a dental home model. It will take a lot of work but it is possible to improve dental care. We should look at successful models around the world. The process should be inclusive of all participants in oral health.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Pflug, prime sponsor; Linda Hull, Washington State Dental Association; Sean Pickard, Washington State Dental Foundation; Katherine White-Tudor, Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers; Nancy Alleman, Washington State Dental Hygiene Association; Norma Wells, citizen.