Bill > HB1431

This bill establishes an Oral Health Task Force within Hawaii's Department of Health to comprehensively review and improve the state's oral health infrastructure. The task force, comprised of 21 members from various state agencies, healthcare institutions, and community organizations, will conduct a detailed review of oral health status, analyze systemic issues, and develop a strategic blueprint for improving oral health services. The task force's key responsibilities include reviewing existing oral health data, making recommendations for organizational improvements, developing community metrics for Medicaid oral health funding, and preparing interim and final reports to the legislature by 2026 and 2028 respectively. To support the task force's work, the bill appropriates funds to hire a consultant and create a temporary full-time program specialist position within the Department of Health's Family Health Services Division. The specialist will collect and analyze oral health policy information, serve as a liaison between agencies, and provide oversight for the task force's consulting contract. The bill aims to address current gaps in Hawaii's oral health program, such as the lack of dedicated oral health staff and limited dental care access for Medicaid adults, with the ultimate goal of improving oral health equity and infrastructure across the state.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1431&year=2026