Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3077, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Health to include in the standards for emergency medical services a requirement that ambulance service providers licensed by the State establish and maintain an alcohol and substance abuse policy for employees that is equivalent to that established for holders of commercial drivers' licenses.

The measure also requires licensed service providers to establish an employee wellness program for emergency medical services employees.

Your Committee finds that this measure is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, because it will ensure that the quality of care given by emergency medical services employees is maintained. Your Committee further finds that this measure will provide a safe working environment for all emergency medical services employees, while helping those employees who abuse drugs and alcohol.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3077, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.