Rawson says he’ll begin push for Medicaid funding for school

Tuesday, March 23, 1999 | 12:43 p.m.

Federal officials say they have heard only rumors about the plan and the state Board of Regents has not been briefed.

Under his plan, most Medicaid dental reimbursements would go toward covering construction debt and supporting a $6 million annual operating budget at the school.

Reimbursements now paid to private dentists caring for Medicaid patients would be redirected to the UNLV dental school for patient care by its teaching dentists, residents and third- and fourth-year students.

Rawson, R-Las Vegas, said he has about 30 days to gain legislative approval.

He said he plans to forward the proposal to the federal government after state Medicaid officials have signed off on it.

Rawson said legislative staff members have been researching the regulations, and "so far, it looks good. I'm convinced it will work."

He said his campaign to open a dental school by fall 2000 will not continue at its low-key pace for long.

"We're just trying to line it all up," Rawson said.

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