3156                                                VETOES

and rural hospitals in the State. He points out in his
letter to me that the basic purpose of this bill would
better be effectuated administratively, through the
Department's rule—making powers. The Secretary also
notes that, of the 56 hospitals in the State, all but
seven already provide emergency dental services to their
patients. A copy of the Secretary's letter is attached
to and should be considered a part of this veto message.

For these reasons, I have decided to veto House Bill
1493.

Sincerely,

/s/ Marvin Mandel

Governor

Letter from State Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene on House Bill 1493

May 14, 1974.

The Honorable Marvin Mandel
Governor

State of Maryland
State Office Building
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Dear Governor:

It is our understanding that House Bill #1493
requiring the provision of emergency dental services to
patients in hospitals has passed both houses of the
Legislature, and now awaits your signature.

We would like to urge the veto of H.B. #1493 because
of the following:

Our records indicate that of the 56 hospitals in the
State of Maryland, all presently provide emergency dental
service to their patients with the exception of the
following:

1.    Washington Adventist

2.    Gundry Hospital

3.    Calvert County Hospital

4.    Carroll County Hospital

5.    Montebello Hospital Center