HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 67

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Helen Garcia

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE TESTIMONY ON THE LACK OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR GENERAL ANESTHESIA FOR PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND RECOMMEND LEGISLATION FOR THE NEXT REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

     WHEREAS, dental caries is the most common chronic disease of childhood and when left untreated, necessitates extensive restorative treatment; and

     WHEREAS, for many children, the most appropriate treatment requires general anesthesia and the operating room; and

     WHEREAS, insurance coverage, whether dental or general medical, excludes general anesthesia, resulting in tremendous expense for families that may dissuade or postpone treatment until more serious illness results;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate interim committee to receive testimony on the lack of health insurance coverage for general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry and recommend legislation for the next regular legislative session; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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