SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8429

              As Passed Senate, February 28, 1996

Brief Description:  Establishing a joint select committee on oral health care.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau, Quigley, Moyer, Deccio, Winsley, Wood, Franklin, Wojahn, Prentice, Fairley and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/20/96, 2/22/96 [DP].

Senate Adopted, 2/28/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Moyer, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  It is estimated that over 36 percent of the preschool children in Head Start programs in Washington State need dental treatment.  While there is general agreement that low-income children and the elderly have high rates of dental disease in this state, many feel more data on dental primary and preventive services is needed to fully understand the problem of widespread dental disease among certain populations.

Summary of Bill:  A joint select committee on oral health is established with the concurrence of the House of Representatives.  The committee must identify barriers to access to oral health care services, including financial, regulatory, and administrative barriers  and potential solutions.  The committee must report back to the Legislature by December 1, 1996.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.