HI HB617

Establishes an oral health task force within the family health services division of the department of health to review Hawaii's oral health status and infrastructure and make improvement recommendations.

Task force shall review existing oral health data, analyze systemic issues, develop an oral health strategic blueprint, and act as a facilitator for oral health stakeholders statewide.

Task force membership consists of 21 members including representatives from state departments, the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition, Hawaii Dental Association, medicaid insurers, community advocates, county representatives, and dental school faculty.

Requires interim report to legislature by December 1, 2024, and final report with proposed legislation by December 1, 2025; task force ceases to exist June 30, 2026.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to contract a consultant and establish two permanent full-time program specialist positions (Program Specialist IV and V) within the department of health.