HI HCR90

Requests the Department of Health to establish a Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Center of Excellence in partnership with local experts.

Center should promote awareness of cleft lip and cleft palate birth defects and provide resources and information to families with affected children.

Approximately 6,800 babies in the United States are born with oral-facial clefts annually, with higher prevalence among people of Asian ancestry and certain Native American groups.

Department of Health must submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session detailing strategies to establish the Center and statewide collaborative efforts.

Treatment typically involves surgery in multiple stages performed by a team of specialists including plastic surgeons, pediatricians, dental specialists, speech-language specialists, and other providers.