(1) This act may be cited as the “Donated Dental Services Act.”
(2) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(b) “Program” means the Donated Dental Services Program as established pursuant to subsection (3).
(3) The department shall establish the Donated Dental Services Program for the purpose of providing comprehensive dental care through a network of volunteer dentists and other dental providers to needy, disabled, elderly, and medically compromised individuals who cannot afford necessary treatment but are ineligible for public assistance. An eligible individual may receive treatment in a volunteer dentist’s or participating dental provider’s private office or at any other suitable location. An eligible individual is not required to pay any fee or cost associated with the treatment he or she receives.
(4) The department shall establish the program. The department shall contract with a nonprofit organization that has experience in providing similar services or administering similar programs. The contract must specify the responsibilities of the nonprofit organization, which may include, but are not limited to:
(a) Maintaining a network of volunteer dentists and other dental providers, including, but not limited to, dental specialists and dental laboratories, to provide comprehensive dental services to eligible individuals.
(b) Maintaining a system to refer eligible individuals to the appropriate volunteer dentist or participating dental provider.
(c) Developing a public awareness and marketing campaign to promote the program and educate eligible individuals about its availability and services.
(d) Providing the necessary administrative and technical support to administer the program.
(e) Submitting an annual report to the department which must include, at a minimum:
1. Financial data relating to administering the program.
2. Demographic data and other information relating to the eligible individuals who are referred to and receive treatment through the program.
3. Demographic data and other information relating to the volunteer dentists and participating dental providers who provide dental services through the program.
4. Any other data or information that the department may require.
(f) Performing any other program-related duties and responsibilities as required by the department.
(5) The department shall adopt rules to administer the program.
(6) Implementation of the program is subject to legislative appropriation.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2019-138.