Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 3277, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish certification procedures for nurse aides employed in facilities and health care settings in this State.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Long Term Care Association. No testimony in opposition to this measure was received by your Committee.

Your Committee finds that this measure will enhance consumer safety because it will require all nurse aides employed in Medicare/Medicaid facilities and health care settings in this State to be certified.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, non-substantive amendments recommended by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for clarity. Your Committee has also made further technical, non-substantive conforming amendments.

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. 3277, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3277, S.D. 2.