JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation aimed at improving access to dental care within the state’s correctional facilities. Sponsored by State Representative Rudy Veit, this bill seeks to amend current regulations to allow contracted entities to provide dental services within correctional centers, thus addressing a critical need for comprehensive healthcare within the correctional system.
Currently, Missouri law prohibits corporations from engaging in dentistry practice unless they are nonprofit corporations or professional corporations. HB 2280 would allow these contracted entities, which may not necessarily fit the criteria of nonprofit or professional corporations, to provide dental care services within correctional facilities.
“This legislation represents a significant step forward in ensuring that individuals within our correctional facilities receive the essential dental care they need,” Veit, R-Wardsville, said. “By allowing contracted entities to provide dental services, we are not only addressing a critical healthcare gap but also upholding the dignity and well-being of those in our correctional system.”
HB 2280’s passage in the Missouri House marks a significant milestone in the effort to address healthcare disparities within the state’s correctional facilities. As the bill moves forward, advocates remain hopeful that it will garner further support in the Missouri Senate, ultimately leading to positive changes in services to incarcerated individuals.
Representative Rudy Veit, a Republican, represents parts of Cole and Miller counties (District 59) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Veit’s office at 573-751-0665 or by email at Rudy.Veit@House.Mo.Gov.