HCS HB 1336 -- HEALTH CARE

SPONSOR:  Lakin

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Public
Health by a vote of 14 to 0 with 1 present.

This substitute removes language prohibiting the use of general
revenue funds for certain health care programs and initiatives.
The substitute allows any other funds to be used for these
health care programs and initiatives.

The substitute also requires the Director of the Department of
Health to include dentists in the development and implementation
of a plan to provide a system of coordinated health care
services accessible to all persons in designated health resource
shortage areas.  Currently, dentists are not included in the
plan to attract health care practitioners to these areas.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0
to $2,789,800 in FY 2001, FY 2002, and FY 2003.  Subject to
appropriation.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this substitute would allow,
but not require, the use of federal funds, general revenue
funds, and any other moneys appropriated to the Health
Initiatives Fund for school health initiatives and the Primary
Care Resource Initiative for Missouri (PRIMO).  Supporters also
state that the moneys received for the initiatives would be used
for the continuing provision of school health initiatives as
contained in Sections 167.600 to 167.621, RSMo, and would help
attract and  prepare medical professionals who would practice in
designated health resource shortage areas in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Lakin; Maureen
Dempsey, M.D., Director of the Department of Health; Cole County
Department of Health; Missouri Primary Care Association;
Missouri Area Health Education Centers; and Association of Local
Public Health Agencies.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

HB 1336 -- Funding for Department of Health Programs

Sponsor:  Lakin

This bill removes language prohibiting the use of general
revenue funds for certain health care programs and initiatives.
The bill allows any other funds to be used for these health care
programs and initiatives.

The bill also requires the Director of the Department of Health
to include dentists in the development and implementation of a
plan to provide a system of coordinated health care services
accessible to all persons in designated "health resource
shortage areas."  Currently, dentists are not included in the
plan to attract health care practitioners to these areas.