AN ACT Relating to expanding the access to baby and child dentistry program to serve children with disabilities; and adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 74.09 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The authority shall expand the access to baby and child dentistry program to include children with disabilities as eligible clients.

(2) Once enrolled in the program, eligible children with disabilities must be covered until their thirteenth birthday.

(3) Children with disabilities enrolled in the program shall receive all services and benefits received by program clients.

(4) The authority shall pay enhanced fees for program services provided to children with disabilities enrolled in the program to dentists certified to provide program services to children with disabilities. To receive certification to provide program services to children with disabilities, a dentist must:

(a) Be licensed to practice dentistry under chapter 18.32 RCW; and

(b) Complete a course on treating children with disabilities as defined by the authority in rule.

(5) For purposes of this section:

(a) "Children with disabilities" means all individuals under the age of thirteen with a disability attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another neurological condition closely related to an intellectual disability or that requires treatment similar to that required for persons with intellectual disabilities, which has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and which constitutes a substantial limitation to such individual, who are eligible for one of the following medical assistance programs:

(i) Categorically needy program;

(ii) Limited casualty program-medically needy program;

(iii) Children's health program; or

(iv) State children's health insurance program.

(b) "Program" means the access to baby and child dentistry program as established by WAC 182-535-1245 or successor rule.

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