Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 40 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize a minor's caregiver to consent to health care services for the minor and to establish requirements for a valid caregiver consent affidavit.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services, Na Tutu-Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coalition, the Kokua Council, and three individuals.

This measure authorizes a minor's caregiver, with or without the permission of the minor's parents, guardians, or custodian, to authorize health care services, including immunization, dental, and mental health, for the minor. Your Committee finds that this measure provides another avenue for minors to obtain access to vital health care services, provided that the minor's caregiver complies with the requirements of the affidavit for caregiver consent for minor's health care.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 40, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 40, S.D. 1.