STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1064

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 561

      H.D. 2

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 561, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DENTISTRY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect patient safety by requiring:

     (1)  Dentists licensed to administer anesthesia or perform sedation to display contact information for verification of the dentist's licensure status and standing with the regulatory agency; and

     (2)  Inspections of a dentist's facilities, equipment, and staffing as a condition to obtain a written authorization or permit to administer anesthesia or sedation.

The Hawaii Nurses Association, OPEIU Local 50, and a few concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Board of Dental Examiners testified in support of the intent of this measure.  Two concerned individuals testified in opposition to this measure.  The Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Dental Association provided comments.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that a consumer can contact the Consumer Resource Center of RICO to determine whether a dentist holds a current and valid written authorization or permit to administer anesthesia or perform sedation in addition to licensure to perform these procedures; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     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. 561, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 561, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair