Requires the Department of Health to make available, free of charge, fluoride supplements to children age 12 and younger. (HB1628 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. There is much controversy over the fluoridation of Hawaii's drinking water. The issue of a child's dental care can be addressed through a compromise. While hoping to lower dental caries in Hawaii's youth we seek to preserve an ethical position which maintains the freedom of the individual to choose. This compromise includes improving availability and easing access to pharmaceutical grade fluoride to guardians of children less than twelve years of age.

The legislature finds that providing fluoride drops or tablets at the request of parents or guardians of children twelve years old or younger free of charge will be a more effective solution than fluoridating the public water supply. Specific targeting of those in need would greatly reduce the implementation cost of fluoridation, allow parents freedom of choice in the area of their child's dental care, and preserve the individual rights of Hawaii's citizens.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§321-    Fluoride supplements for children. The department shall establish a program to provide fluoride drops or tablets, as appropriate, to children age twelve and younger. These fluoride supplements shall be dispensed, free of charge, upon a written prescription from the child's pediatrician. If the child does not have a pediatrician, the department shall provide the services of one, at no charge, for the sole purpose of prescribing the fluoride supplement."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 for the department of health's fluoride supplement program.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.