Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR33

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 establishment of the Oral Health Task Force has the potential to influence state laws and health policies significantly. By focusing on oral health inequities, the task force is expected to identify critical issues and systemic barriers that hinder access to dental services, especially for the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The findings will guide legislative adjustments to support better facilities and services for dental care across all islands in Hawaii, which is particularly crucial as existing dental resources are concentrated in urban areas like Honolulu.

Summary

House Resolution 33 (HR33) seeks to address the oral health needs of the residents of Hawaii by establishing an Oral Health Task Force. The task force is mandated to review the current status of oral health in the state and offer recommendations to enhance oral health infrastructure. This initiative stems from ongoing challenges, particularly for the adult Medicaid population, who face significant barriers in accessing dental care. Evidence indicates that many individuals resort to emergency services for dental issues, highlighting a systemic inadequacy in meeting oral health needs statewide.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR33 appears to be largely supportive among stakeholders concerned with public health and access to dental care. Many advocates within the healthcare sectors, including representatives from various health departments and dental associations, see the initiative as a positive step towards improving the overall health landscape in Hawaii. However, there might be underlying concerns regarding the effectiveness of the task force’s recommendations and whether the state will allocate sufficient resources and funding to implement meaningful changes based on these insights.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HR33 could include discussions about resource allocation for implementing task force recommendations, the adequacy of current dental care provisions, and whether the proposed systemic changes might adequately address inequities in oral health services. Additionally, concerns may arise about how effectively the task force can ensure broader representation of community voices in shaping oral health policies and whether it can engage appropriately with diverse stakeholders across Hawaii's various populations.

Companion Bills

HI HCR32

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 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.

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 HR159

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 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 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.

Similar Bills

MS SB2867

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

HI HCR32

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