Bill Summary for Bill Number SB13-261

Date: 04/30/2013

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB13-261

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, INSURANCE & ENVIRONMENT

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 13-261 to the Committee of the W	PASS

01:06 PM -- Senate Bill 13-261

Representative McCann presented Senate Bill 13-261 concerning the restructuring of the oral health programs administered by the Department of Public Health and Environment. The bill creates the Oral Health Community Grants Program in the Department of Public Health and Environment. Subject to available appropriations, the department will award grants for:

school-based and school-linked programs to prevent tooth decay, targeting children who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches or who attend school in a school district with a median household income at or below 235 percent of the federal poverty level;
water supply systems to implement or monitor fluoridation practices; and
other evidence-based programs that promote oral health.

The bill replaces existing statutes concerning the Children's Dental Assistance Program, nonprofit dental services for elderly and disabled, and grants for fluoridation of community water supplies. A provision states the intent of the General Assembly to appropriate no General Fund moneys to these current programs is repealed.

Representative McCann responded to questions about the grant funding for the oral health programs included in the bill and whether any of the programs included in the bill will research and review health concerns about water fluoridation.

01:17 PM -- Karen Cody Carlson, Oral Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed in-school oral health programs and the correlation between poverty and dental disease. Ms. Carlson responded to questions about a possible grant from Oral Health Colorado to develop a sustainable model for the school-based oral health care program and whether any child could take advantage of an in-school oral health program.

01:22 PM -- Marley Hamrick, Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. She discussed tooth decay in children. Ms. Hamrick responded to a question about the future of the programs outlined in the bill.

01:26 PM -- Dr. Katya Mauritson and Eliza Park, Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Mauritson discussed medical expenses for dental services, water quality, and fluoridation. Ms. Park discussed the funding for the grant programs outlined in the bill. Ms. Park stated the school-based oral health programs will not interfere with the dental benefit provided by the Child Health Plan Plus Program. Ms. Park responded to a question about the obsolete provisions that are being repealed by the bill. Dr. Mauritson responded to questions about the populations that would be served under the program. Ms. Park and Dr. Mauritson responded to a question about education and outreach efforts to parents about oral health and fluoridation. Dr. Mauritson responded to questions about the public-private partnerships with dentists to provide dental care in schools.

01:37 PM -- Dr. Quinn Dufurrena, Colorado Dental Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed sealants and fluoridation. Dr. Dufurrena responded to a question about the benefits and risks of water fluoridation.

01:40 PM -- Haven Brodeur, representing himself, discussed his need for basic dental coverage. He then stated his comments were directed toward another bill that would be discussed by the House Public Health Care and Human Services Committee.

01:42 PM

Representative McCann discussed the discontinuation of community fluoridations programs due to cost. She discussed the differences between the dental services provided under the Child Health Plan Plus Program and those that will provided through the Department of Public Health and Environment.


BILL:	SB13-261
TIME:	01:44:29 PM
MOVED:	McCann
MOTION:	Refer Senate Bill 13-261 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 8-3.
SECONDED:	Fields
		VOTE
	Conti	Yes
	Fields	Yes
	Ginal	Yes
	Humphrey	No
	Joshi	No
	Primavera	Yes
	Stephens	Yes
	Swalm	No
	Young	Yes
	Schafer	Yes
	McCann	Yes

Final YES: 8 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:45 PM

The committee adjourned.