I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1666 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 2, 2011 Mr. Simpson (for himself and Mr. Ross of Arkansas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act to improve essential oral health care for lower-income individuals by breaking down barriers to care.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Breaking Barriers to Oral Health Act of 2011.

2.

Grants to support volunteer dental projects and public-private partnerships

Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 320A (42 U.S.C. 247d–8) the following new sections:

320B.

Grants to support volunteer dental projects

(a)

Authority To make grants

The Secretary shall award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities described in subsection (b) to purchase portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs, including direct health care or service delivery costs, for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations that are delivered in a manner consistent with State licensing laws. (b)

Eligible entity

An eligible entity under this subsection is an organization, such as a State or local dental association, or a dental education, dental hygiene education, or postdoctoral dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or a community-based organization that partners with an academic institution, that is exempt from tax under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that offers a free dental services program for underserved populations. (c)

Application

An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary may require. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to make grants under this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.

320C.

Grants for public-private partnerships to improve oral health education and dental disease prevention and medicaid and CHIP dental programs, and for other purposes

(a)

Authority To make grants

The Secretary shall award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities described in subsection (b) to collaborate with State, county, or local public officials and other stakeholders in order to develop and implement initiatives to accomplish any of the following goals: (1)To improve oral health education and dental disease prevention. (2)To reduce barriers (including low reimbursement and administrative impediments) in a manner that increases dental provider participation in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. (3)To make the dental delivery system providing dental services under Medicaid or CHIP more efficient by taking actions necessary to facilitate the establishment of dental homes. (4)To address geographic, language, or cultural barriers in the provision of dental services. (b)

Eligible entity

An eligible entity under this subsection is a State or local dental association or a State dental association foundation that is exempt from tax under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that partners with public and private stakeholders to facilitate the provision of dental services for underserved populations. (c)

Application

An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary may require. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to make grants under this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.

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