HR1177 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1177 LRB094 20229 LJB 58125 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, During the 92nd General Assembly, legislation was passed that provided for coverage of charges incurred for anesthetics provided in conjunction with dental care in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center; restrictions in the legislation require (i) that the individual be a child 6 year of age or under, (ii) that the individual have a medical condition that requires hospitalization for general anesthesia for dental care, or (iii) that the individual be disabled; and

WHEREAS, It is far more cost effective and just as safe to do the dental work in a dental office; in addition, performing the dental work in a dental office will increase access for this restricted group of needy individuals; and

WHEREAS, 80% of dentists do not have hospital privileges; and

WHEREAS, More cost effective pharmacologic methods of patient management are currently not reimbursable, such as oral sedation, IV sedation, or use of an office based anesthesiologist; and

WHEREAS, Special needs patients, such as autistic patients, do not respond well to "new" environments; and

WHEREAS, Hospital operating rooms are less efficient and effective environments for the delivery of dental care as compared to a dedicated dental facility; and

WHEREAS, The available dental equipment in many hospitals is either limited or non-existent; and

WHEREAS, Many hospitals restrict the use of dental auxiliaries in the operating room, including dental assistants and hygienists; and

WHEREAS, Office-based dental treatment will "main stream" special needs individuals and results in lower patient stress and anxiety; and

WHEREAS, Due to the greater cost effectiveness of office-based care, more frequent oral evaluations with earlier detection of oral disease is possible for special needs patients; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Division of Insurance of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to complete a study on the cost benefits of requiring accident and health insurance policies to cover charges incurred and anesthesia provided in conjunction with dental care that is provided to children and disabled individuals in a dental office as well as a hospital or ambulatory surgical treatment center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the study and its findings be reported back to the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2006; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of the Division of Insurance of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.