Louisiana mobile dentistry bill signed into law

Without fanfare, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed into law a bill calling on the state board of dentistry to regulate mobile dentistry.

Gov. Jindal issued no statement on a bill that became one of the most hotly contested of the state's legislative session. As originally sponsored by the Louisiana Dental Association, the bill would have banned nearly all dentistry in schools.

After multiple amendments, the bill morphed into a mandate to the dentistry board to promulgate regulations for anyone wanting to practice dentist outside of a standard dental office, and to restrict such dentists to those with Louisiana licenses.

The controversy arose after the state raised its reimbursement rate for Medicaid to 70% of the usual and customary fees. Some dentists in the state became concerned that outsiders would visit Louisiana schools and siphon off the Medicaid reimbursement without providing comprehensive care.

Much of the debate focused on health and safety issues around treating children on school campuses.

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