STAND. COM. REP. NO.  898-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.B. No. 2301

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2301, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DENTISTRY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to ensure the ability of dentists to act in the best interests of their patients by prohibiting:

     (1)  Unlicensed entities from interfering in the practice of dentistry; and

     (2)  The practice of dentistry in a commercial or mercantile establishment.

     Two concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Board of Dental Examiners opposed this measure.

     There are concerns that the prohibition of the practice of dentistry in a commercial or mercantile setting may be overly restrictive, especially in light of the fact that other health professionals such as optometrists and pharmacists have practiced in such establishments for years.  This issue warrants further consideration as this bill moves forward.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2301, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair