STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1482

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2013

RE:   S.B. No. 343

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 343, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DENTAL HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to take proactive steps to prevent tooth decay among Hawaii's children by:

(1)  Requiring the Director of Health to participate in the national oral health surveillance system database;

(2)  Authorizing dental hygienists to apply preventative sealants, in consultation with a licensed dentist, in school-based dental sealant programs or at federally qualified health centers; and

(3)  Requiring and making an appropriation to the Department of Health to establish and administer a school-based dental sealant program in a high-need demonstration school and submit a report to the Legislature prior to the 2015 Regular Session on its efforts.

The Department of Education, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association, Board of Dental Examiners, and two concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Hawaii Dental Association and a concerned individual opposed this measure.  The Department of Health, Good Beginnings Alliance, and two concerned individuals commented on this bill.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 343, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair