STAND. COM. REP. NO.1370-02
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2002
RE: S.C.R. No. 48
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twenty-First State Legislature
Regular Session of 2002
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 48, S.D. 1, entitled:
"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO OFFER COVERAGE FOR NATUROPATHS, ACUPUNCTURISTS, AND CHIROPRACTORS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this concurrent resolution, as received, is to request the Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of requiring health insurers to offer coverage for naturopaths, acupuncturists, and chiropractors.
The Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians, Hawaii Acupuncture Association, and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.
The Hawaii Medical Association opposed this measure.
Your Committee finds that many individuals rely on alternative medicine, and some spend more money on alternative medicine than they do on traditional medicine. However, most alternative therapies are not covered by most insurance plans.
Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Amending the title to read: "REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO REASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO OFFER COVERAGE FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE CARE PROVIDERS";
(2) Specifying that the Auditor is requested to conduct the study based on compiling existing studies and reassessing the information rather than conducting a new study;
(3) Broadening the scope to include other providers such as massage therapists by using the term "complementary alternative care providers"; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 48, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 48, S.D. 1, H.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,
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____________________________ DENNIS A. ARAKAKI, Chair |
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