Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR32

Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/10/23  
Report Pass
3/29/23  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene An Oral Health Task Force To Review Information On The Status Of Oral Health In The State And Make Recommendations To Improve Oral Health Infrastructure In Hawaii.

Impact

The bill identifies systemic issues, including a significant reliance on emergency facilities as the primary dental care source for many Medicaid recipients—an approach deemed inefficient and wasteful. The task force is expected to analyze existing data pertaining to oral health conditions and review the operational capabilities of public dental health functions. It aims to offer solutions that could potentially reshape the oral health landscape, ensuring better access and quality of care for vulnerable populations, particularly on the neighbor islands that are currently underserved.

Summary

HCR32, also known as the Oral Health Task Force legislation, aims to address the challenges faced by the oral health sector in Hawaii. This resolution requests the Department of Health to convene a task force dedicated to reviewing the current state of oral health and making recommendations to improve the oral health infrastructure in Hawaii. The need for this task force arises from the acknowledgment that the state currently cannot meet the dental public health needs of its residents, particularly the adult Medicaid population, who have limited access to needed dental care.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR32 appears supportive, reflecting a recognition of the dire state of oral health care access in Hawaii. Many legislators and advocacy organizations back the establishment of the task force, viewing it as a necessary step towards improving dental services for underserved communities. However, there may be concerns about funding and resources required to fulfill the task force's recommendations effectively, as previous allocations have not entirely addressed the gaps in service delivery.

Contention

While HCR32 has garnered generally favorable attention, notable points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of implementing the recommendations made by the task force. The bill also seeks to evaluate community service licensure requirements, which could lead to debates about the qualifications of dental providers and the potential expansion of care services in community health settings. Additional scrutiny may focus on the task force's effectiveness and its ability to facilitate systemic change within an already challenging healthcare environment.

Companion Bills

HI HR33

Same As Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene An Oral Health Task Force To Review Information On The Status Of Oral Health In The State And Make Recommendations To Improve Oral Health Infrastructure In Hawaii.

Previously Filed As

HI HB2744

Relating To Oral Health.

HI SB2956

Relating To Oral Health.

HI SB679

Relating To Oral Health.

HI HB617

Relating To Oral Health.

HI HCR71

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

HI HCR179

Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Information Data Sharing Working Group To Collaborate And Establish The Framework And Standards For Future Health Information Data Sharing Legislation.

HI SCR15

Requesting The Department Of Health's State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Data Sharing Working Group To Accelerate And Expand The Sharing Of Real Time Health Information Among Health Care Entities And Government Agencies In The State.

HI SR7

Requesting The Department Of Health's State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Data Sharing Working Group To Accelerate And Expand The Sharing Of Real Time Health Information Among Health Care Entities And Government Agencies In The State.

HI SCR49

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

HI HR56

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

Similar Bills

MS SB2867

Medicaid; make various amendments to the provisions of the program.

HI HR33

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene An Oral Health Task Force To Review Information On The Status Of Oral Health In The State And Make Recommendations To Improve Oral Health Infrastructure In Hawaii.

LA SR260

Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study and make recommendations relative to a behavioral health Medicaid managed care carve-out.

VA SB1164

Medicaid Financial Oversight, Office of; established.

IA HF387

A bill for an act creating the better caths for Iowa Act including a review of the use and reimbursement of certain catheters under the Medicaid program.

LA SR23

Establishes a task force to study and report on Medicaid managed care for individuals receiving long-term supports and services.

LA HCR114

Creates a task force to study the potential expansion of behavioral healthcare providers eligible for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement

LA HCR108

Requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to create a Medicaid transformation plan