SB1393enr 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB1393 Enrolled LRB096 03758 DRJ 17532 b

AN ACT concerning public aid.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding Section 12-4.37 as follows:

(305 ILCS 5/12-4.37 new)

Sec. 12-4.37. Dental clinic grant program.

(a) Grant program. Subject to funding availability, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall administer a grant program. The purpose of this grant program shall be to build the public infrastructure for dental care and to make grants to local health departments, federally qualified health clinics (FQHCs), and rural health clinics (RHCs) for development of comprehensive dental clinics for dental care services. The primary purpose of these new dental clinics will be to increase dental access for low-income and Department of Healthcare and Family Services clients who have no dental arrangements with a dental provider in a project's service area. The dental clinic must be willing to accept out-of-area clients who need dental services, including emergency services for adults and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)-referral children. Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) shall receive special priority for grants under this program.

(b) Eligible applicants. The following entities are eligible to apply for grants:

(1) Local health departments.

(2) Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

(3) Rural health clinics (RHCs).

(c) Use of grant moneys. Grant moneys must be used to support projects that develop dental services to meet the dental health care needs of Department of Healthcare and Family Services Dental Program clients. Grant moneys must be used for operating expenses, including, but not limited to: insurance; dental supplies and equipment; dental support services; and renovation expenses. Grant moneys may not be used to offset existing indebtedness, supplant existing funds, purchase real property, or pay for personnel service salaries for dental employees.

(d) Application process. The Department shall establish procedures for applying for dental clinic grants.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.