Network Compositions. The Contractor will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a geographically accessible statewide provider network comprised of general and specialty dentists in adequate numbers to meet accessibility standards and make services available in a timely manner. The RIte Smiles Contractor will develop and maintain a sufficient provider network to provide dental services to RIte Smiles eligible children. The network shall include a sufficient number of general and pediatric dentists to meet the service accessibility standards outlined later in this section as well an adequate specialty network that includes the following specialty dentists: endodontist, periodontist, prosthodontist, oral surgeons, and orthodontist. The RIte Smiles Contractor must include in its network traditional providers of dental services to Rhode Island's Medicaid population. The RIte Smiles Contractor must have a sufficient network of primary and specialty dental services to meet the diverse needs of the Medicaid population, including dentists with the experience and capacity to serve children and/or young adults with special health care needs according to guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in An Introduction to Practical Oral Care for People with Developmental Disabilities. The Contractor agrees to maintain and regularly monitor a network of appropriate providers that is supported by written agreements and can sufficiently demonstrate to EOHHS’ satisfaction the Contractor’s ability to provide covered services under this Agreement. The Contractor shall maintain a Network Development Plan to address continuous recruitment and retention of new providers, plans for ongoing network development, and plans to create goal targets for specific numbers of providers in networks. Members must have access to services that are at least equal to, or better than community norms. Members must be allowed to choose his or her network provider to the extent possible and appropriate. In establishing and maintaining the network, the Contractor must consider the following: • Anticipated member enrollment, • Expected utilization of services taking into consideration the characteristics and needs of specific RIte Smiles eligible populations for which the RIte Smiles Contractor will be responsible, • Numbers and types (in terms of training, experience, and specialization) of providers required to furnish the services to be contracted, • Numbers of providers who are no...
