Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the bill was enacted, but does not specify an effective date in the provided metadata or summary.
Oral Health Technical Assistance Center for People with Disabilities
This law requires the state to contract with a California dental school by July 1, 2027, if funding is approved, to run a program that improves dental care and reduces or eliminates the need for sedation or general anesthesia for people with developmental disabilities.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the Department of Developmental Services to contract with a public or private California dental school by July 1, 2027, if funding is approved.
- Prioritizes contracts with public dental schools over private ones to run the program.
- Allows the selected school to partner with another dental school if they meet criteria for location, accreditation, and experience working with regional centers.
- Requires the contracted school or partnership to work with up to 21 regional centers to train staff, develop systems, provide expertise, and collect data on oral health services.
- Mandates that the department submit an annual report of program data to the Legislature.
Who It Names or Affects
- People with developmental or intellectual disabilities who need dental care.
- Regional centers that provide support services to individuals with disabilities.
- California public and private dental schools or colleges eligible for contracts.
- Oral health professionals who may establish vendor agreements through regional centers.
Terms To Know
- Department of Developmental Services
- The state agency responsible for contracting with a dental school to run the program and working with regional centers.
- Regional Centers
- Organizations that provide services and supports, including arranging dental care, for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Sedation and General Anesthesia
- Medical methods used to calm patients or put them to sleep during procedures; this program aims to reduce or eliminate the need for these in dental treatment.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only takes effect if the Legislature approves funding (appropriation) for it.
- The specific amount of money available for the program is not stated in the text provided.
- The exact start date for services depends on when contracts are signed after July 1, 2027.