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House perfects bill to allow contracted dentists to treat inmates
Summary
Lawmakers perfected House Bill 122 to allow dentists employed by private medical corporations that contract with state institutions to treat incarcerated patients; members said the change resolves a provider shortage caused by a corporate bankruptcy.
The Missouri House perfected House Bill 1 22, a bill that removes a restriction preventing dentists who work for private medical corporations that hold contracts with state institutions from providing dental care to incarcerated patients.
The Gentleman from Cole, sponsor of HB 1 22, told the chamber the change is needed because the private corporation that previously provided dental services for state inmates went bankrupt and that current law required dentists to be sole practitioners or work for corporations specifically owned by a dental care company. "We're asking you to change the statute so that dentists can work for the private corporation and medical corporation that provides all the other medical care for our inmates and our public," the sponsor said.
Several lawmakers spoke in support, including a health-care professional who told the chamber "dentistry is not just about cleaning teeth," and representatives who emphasized ensuring constitutional and standard care for incarcerated individuals. The sponsor renewed his motion and the House perfected the bill on the floor.
