Bill > H2487

This bill establishes new requirements for dental service providers regarding cost transparency and patient quotes. Specifically, the bill defines key terms like "dental services" (which includes diagnostic, preventative, and corrective dental treatments) and "dental services provider" (such as dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons). Under the new law, dental service providers must provide a cost quote to patients or prospective patients upon request before performing any dental services. Patients may waive this requirement if they are scheduling a series of procedures as part of a continued treatment plan. If a dental provider fails to provide a quote and completes services, the patient can file a complaint with the Board of Registration in Dentistry. The board will then investigate whether the completed services were medically necessary, and if they find reasonable cause to believe the services were not medically necessary, they must file a report with the attorney general, who must respond within three months regarding the potential violation. This bill aims to increase transparency in dental healthcare pricing and protect patients from potentially unnecessary or unexplained medical procedures.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2487