CHAPTER 653

S.P. 737 - L.D. 1936

An Act To Improve the Oral Health of Maine's Children

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §6454 is enacted to read:

§6454.__Oral health assessments

The commissioner shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services in implementing a grant program developed in accordance with Title 22, section 2128 to increase the provision of oral health assessments for children entering elementary__school.__A child whose parent objects in writing to an oral health assessment on religious grounds may not be assessed.

Sec. 2. 22 MRSA §2128 is enacted to read:

§2128. Grant program to promote oral health assessments and care

for children

The commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, shall administer a grant program to promote oral health assessments of children entering elementary school and facilitate the provision of care for those students identified as in need of dental services.

1. Eligibility for grants.__A nonprofit organization may apply for a grant by submitting an application as requested by the commissioner to demonstrate that the applicant: