Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 116 History
| 
Email
Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 116
(By Delegates Perdue, Hatfield, Eldridge, Lawrence, Marshall,
Perry, Phillips, Poling, Rodigherio, Spencer, Susman, Border
C.Miller, J. Miller and Rowan )
[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources;
Reported March 10, 2010.]
Requesting the Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a
study on maternal oral health.
W
HEREAS
, West Virginia citizens have the worst oral health in
the nation; and
WHEREAS, The ill effects of poor oral hygiene can be
exacerbated during pregnancy when progesterone levels rise
considerably, which can cause tender gums and gingivitis; and
W
HEREAS
, It is important to maintain good oral health during
pregnancy, with studies indicating that pregnant women who have
severe periodontal disease are at risk for pre-term delivery, which
in turn increases the risk of having a low-birth weight baby; and
W
HEREAS
, Studies also show that economic and funding issues,
utilization issues, access issues, health related issues (such as
nutrition and obesity) and inadequate oral health public policy are
all barriers in maintaining adequate maternal oral health in West
Virginia; and
W
HEREAS
, Parental values, habits and attitudes toward oral health also influence children's oral hygiene habits; and
WHEREAS, Possible solutions to break these barriers of poor
oral health in West Virginia could be, but not be limited to: Free
dental care for Medicaid and low-income pregnant women; Education
to patients, families, dentists, hygienists and prenatal providers
in regard to dental visits, guidelines and safety; and public
awareness campaigns; and
WHEREAS, Representatives from the Department of Health and
Human Resources, the Bureau of Children and Families, the Bureau of
Medical Services, the Office of Oral Health, the Dental
Association, the Dental Hygienist Association, community health
centers and providers, and other interested organizations are
needed to put forth a collaborative effort with the West Virginia
Legislature to enhance and provide policy solutions in regard to
maternal oral health; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study maternal oral health care in West Virginia; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, 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.
Webmaster | © 2024 West Virginia Legislature **
