58-17-84.1.   Anesthesia and hospitalization for dental care to be provided certain covered persons. Any health benefit plan as defined by § 58-17-63 shall cover anesthesia and hospital charges for dental care provided to a covered person who:

             (1)      Is a child under age five; or

             (2)      Is severely disabled or otherwise suffers from a developmental disability as determined by a licensed physician which places such person at serious risk.

     Such coverage applies regardless of whether the services are provided in a hospital or a dental office. A health carrier may require prior authorization of hospitalization for dental care procedures in the same manner that prior authorization is required for hospitalization for other covered diseases or conditions.

Source: SL 1999, ch 248, § 2.

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