Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 1163 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require ambulance service providers to establish and maintain an alcohol and substance abuse policy for employees equivalent to or exceeding federal standards for commercial driver's licenses.

Testimony supporting this measure was received from the Department of Health, Honolulu Emergency Services Department of the City and County of Honolulu, American Medical Response, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that adequate implementation of alcohol and substance abuse policies for ambulance service providers reduces risks to the health and safety of emergency medical personnel, patients, and the public. Ambulance drivers and personnel are expected to provide critical services under emergency conditions, including transporting a patient at high speeds. Your Committee believes that this measure will assist in ensuring that they are fully capable to perform their duties at all times.

Your Committee believes that implementing such a policy will benefit the health and safety of Hawaii's citizens while imposing no fiscal impact on the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1163 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.