Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 11, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Auditor to conduct an impact assessment report, pursuant to sections 23-51 and 23-52, HRS, of the social and financial impacts of mandating coverage for alcohol and drug abuse screening when provided in an emergency room for all policies and contracts, hospital and medical service plan contracts, medical service corporation contracts, and health maintenance organization plans and contracts issued after December 31, 2005.

Your Committee wishes to note that previously, this concurrent resolution included referral to counseling as part of the requested study. Identification of substance abuse is only one step in addressing the larger problem, and early intervention beginning in the emergency room is critical. In fact, doing so is considered a "best practice" by the Boston-based National Institute for Substance Abuse. Your Committee also notes that although issues of confidentiality with regard to counseling referrals have been raised, the Auditor could address such concerns if this concurrent resolution is subsequently amended to restore the original language.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 11, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.