STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1415-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.C.R. No. 16

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 16, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF TELEDENTISTRY FOR VULNERABLE AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN THE STATE AND TO IDENTIFY BARRIERS TO THE PRACTICE OF TELEDENTISTRY IN THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Health to establish a task force to study the potential benefits of teledentistry for vulnerable and underserved populations in the State, including access to dental care and cost effectiveness, and identify any barriers to the practice of teledentistry in the State. 

     The Department of Health, the Office of the Governor, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities provided testimony in support of this measure.

     Your Committee finds that teledentistry can be an effective way to improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations.  Furthermore, Hawaii's unique geographic barriers provide an ideal setting for the use of teledentistry to inform practicing oral health care professionals of the latest technological advancements and innovations in their respective fields.  Your Committee believes that this measure will provide the necessary insight and analysis of the benefits, effectiveness, and feasibility of the practice of teledentistry in Hawaii and allow for greater access to oral health care.

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 16, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair