Report Title:

Donated Dental Services; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates $30,765 for FY 2004-2005 for the donated dental services program for the elderly, disabled, or medically compromised, to be expended by the DOH.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2582

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for donated dental services.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that donated dental services have been in operation since 1986 when the National Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped started the first donated dental services program in Colorado for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or medically compromised. This program links eligible individuals with volunteer dentists who provide needed dental care services. The National Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped is a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association.

The legislature further finds that Hawaii is one of thirty-three states implementing a donated dental services program. The program began in January 2002 and is administered by the department of health, through the state council on developmental disabilities. Since the program started, thirty-seven individuals received completed dental care services with a total value of completed treatment of $81,550. The program involves fifty-eight volunteer dentists and twenty volunteer dental laboratories. However, the program is scheduled to end on March 31, 2004. Without additional financial support, the donated dental services program in Hawaii will end.

In an effort to address and support the dental care needs of people who are elderly, disabled, or medically compromised in Hawaii, the legislature appropriated $83,320 to the program for two previous fiscal years. There is a need to financially support the donated dental services program in order to implement the program for the next fiscal year 2004-2005. The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to continue implementation of the donated dental services program in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $30,765, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for the donated dental services program in Hawaii.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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