Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2297 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify that professional mental health counseling services shall be based on specialized education, training, and experience.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Rehabilitation Counseling Association, Sestak Rehabilitation Services, Alliance for Professional Counselor Licensure, Kaiser Permanente, and eleven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that mental health services must be provided by qualified mental health counselors. The education, training, and experience that mental health counselors acquire qualifies them to serve individuals effectively within the scope of their expertise. This measure will ensure that individuals who need counseling services have access to appropriate mental health care.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2297, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing.