RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, S.B. No. 3231, S.D. 1, pending in the Regular Session of 2006, proposes regulatory measures requiring professional licensure of genetic counselors, who presently are not licensed by the State; and

WHEREAS, the Auditor is required by section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the probable effects of a proposed regulatory measure that would subject an unregulated profession to regulatory controls, including whether its enactment is consistent with the policies set forth in 26H-2, and alternative forms of regulation; and

WHEREAS, the American Board of Genetic Counselors is the national organization that certifies genetic counselors and accredits genetic counseling programs in the United States and Canada; and

WHEREAS, the increase in preventative health care raises concerns about public health and the need to ensure effective quality care to patients requiring the services of a genetic counselor; and

WHEREAS, professional licensure of genetic counselors will ensure the continuation and consistency of high standards of care within the profession; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Auditor is requested to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on S.B. No. 3231, S.D. 1, in accordance with section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Auditor is requested to report findings and recommendations to the Legislature at least twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Auditor.

Report Title:

Auditor Analysis of Regulatory Measures for Genetic Counselors.