HCR 90 Text

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 90
(By Delegate Perdue, Hatfield, Boogs, DeLong, Frederick, Hrutkay, Long, Leach, Longstreth, Marshall, Miley, Moore, Pino, Susman, Tucker, Ashley, Border, Lane, Rowan, Schadler, Sumner and Wakim)

(Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources; referred to the Committee on Rules.)
[April 06, 2005]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on oral health in West Virginia.

W HEREAS , Oral diseases are among the most common health problems in the United States; and
W HEREAS , Millions of Americans suffer with diseases and conditions of the oral cavity which often result in needless pain and suffering - - such as difficulty speaking and chewing, increased cost of care, decreased economic productivity through lost work days and, in extreme cases, death; and
W HERE AS , Oral diseases and conditions, including cavities, tooth loss and periodontal disease, affect more than persons than any single disease in the United States
W HEREAS , Dental cavities is the most common and preventable infectious disease in children, with regular care being a key factor in maintaining oral health; and
W HEREAS, Although the past two decades have witnessed significant improvement, poor oral health remains a neglected epidemic in West Virginia, especially among certain segments of it's population - - eighty percent of cavities in children is concentrated in just twenty-five percent of the child population; and
W HEREAS , Seventy-two percent of West Virginia's children are covered by dental insurance, primarily through public programs (Medicaid, SCHIP), with forty percent having not seen their dentist in the last six months; and
W HEREAS , A survey of West Virginia dentists indicated that they see very few children age three and younger in their practices - - even though all children should be seen by a dentist by their first birthday; and
W HEREAS , West Virginia has ranked first among all states in the percentage of people ages sixty-five and older who have lost their natural teeth; and
W HEREAS , Forty-four percent of adult West Virginians are covered by dental insurance, with over half having not seen their dentist in the last six months; and
W HEREAS , Prevention, education and regular care are essential elements in oral health; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on dental health in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislature, Governor, Department of Health and Human Resources, Public Employees Insurance Agency, Department of Education and other state agencies and institutions work collaboratively in the assessment, prevention and treatment of dental diseases while also improving the health and wellness of the residents of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, These objectives can be accomplished through (1) working with federal agencies, such as the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and with other states to promote guidelines and best practices in the prevention and treatment of dental diseases, (2) educating the medical community, teachers and school administrators, employers and the general public about oral health care in adults and children, (3) providing incentives for and promoting the availability of preventive oral health services and treatment in the state Medicaid program, PEIA and other state- funded insurance programs, (4) looking for methods to maintain and expand coverage for children and adults, and (5) identifying and implementing strategies to increase the amount and quality of daily oral health care as part of nutrition education in school curriculums; and be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2006, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

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