Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 1228, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the scope of services authorized for the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse treatment under health insurance policies issued in this State to include marriage and family therapy.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Hawaii Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (HAMFT), Catholic Charities Hawaii, National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Argosy University, The Bobby Benson Center, Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Ka Lima O Maui, Maui Youth and Family Services, Inc., Hale Ipu Kukui Alakai, Aloha House Maui, Neighborhood Place of Kona, Chaminade University, HAMFT Maui Chapter, Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center, and numerous individuals.

Chapter 431M, Hawaii Revised State (Chapter 431M), requires health insurance policies issued in this State to provide coverage for the treatment of mental illness and alcohol and drug dependence, and authorizes treatment provided by qualified physicians, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and advanced practice registered nurses. This measure expands the scope of authorized treatment to include services provided by marriage and family therapists (MFTs).

Your Committee finds that MFTs are licensed mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders within the context of individual relationships. There are approximately one hundred MFTs licensed in Hawaii who practice in a wide range of settings across the State. MFTs are approved providers under the military health insurance program and various state programs, and many work in the more remote areas of the State where there is a scarcity of mental health providers. Your Committee further finds that this measure will facilitate access to treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders and provide consumers with additional treatment options.

Your Committee has amended this measure to make conforming amendments within chapter 431M.

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. 1228, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1228, S.D. 2.