Makes appropriation for donated dental services program for elderly, persons who have a disability or mental illness, or are homeless, through the Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there are twenty-six states that have implemented a donated dental services program for individuals who are elderly, have a disability or mental illness, or are homeless, through the Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (FHD). The FHD is a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association (ADA). It began the first donated dental services program in Colorado and has since established programs in twenty-five other states through funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, ADA, the ADA Health Organization, Oral Health America, and Great West Life Annuity.

The legislature further finds that the donated dental services program links eligible individuals with volunteer dentists who provide needed dental care services. Nationally, over 8,000 dentists and 1,700 dental laboratories donate more than $6,000,000 worth of care annually through the donated dental services program. On average, each patient receives over $1,500 worth of services.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to implement a statewide donated dental services program for eligible adults.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $40,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for a statewide dental services program for eligible adults under the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped program.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.