Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 2899, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to resolve inconsistencies, repeal obsolete provisions, and clarify the licensure, renewal, and reporting requirements in the state nursing laws.

The Board of Nursing (Board), Hawaii Nurses Association, and two individuals testified in support of this measure.

This measure amends the nursing laws to reflect recognition of advanced practice registered nurses, requires foreign practical nursing program graduates to submit proof of eligibility for licensure, and requires the Board to retain applicant documentation for two years. This measure also modifies the Board of Medical Examiners' formulary reporting requirement to require the reporting of formulary amendments only, requires the re-examination of nurses who have not actively practiced within the United States for more than five years, and repeals obsolete or irrelevant provisions.

Additionally, this measure directs the Board of Nursing to report to the Legislature on its findings relating to the effects of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools examination and the English proficiency examination on nurse licensure and the nurse shortage.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2899, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2899, S.D. 2.