STAND. COM. REP. NO.  883

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 563

      H.D. 1

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. 563, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize licensed dental hygienists to practice under the general, rather than direct, supervision of a licensed dentist when treating patients of record with an existing treatment plan with certain limitations.

The Board of Dental Examiners, Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association, Kona Coast Dental Care, and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.  Several concerned individuals testified in opposition to this measure.  The Hawaii Dental Association provided comments.

     Although this measure is intended to provide greater access to oral hygiene services, your Committee has concerns regarding the adequacy of available emergency care should a complication occur during a dental procedure without a dentist present.  Nevertheless, your Committee finds that this measure is warranted and deserves further discussion and consideration.

     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. 563, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair