Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 31, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to determine whether licensing of genetic counselors is reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of consumers by requesting the Auditor to conduct a sunrise analysis of the regulation of this profession proposed in S.B. No. 3231, S.D. 2.

Kaiser Permanente, March of Dimes, Hawaii Chapter, and many concerned individuals supported this measure.

Your Committee finds that genetic counselors are health care professionals who provide information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders, or who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Communication of genetic information can often affect a patient's psychological well-being, as well as decisions regarding medical management, reproductive options, or treatment. This concurrent resolution takes the first step toward determining whether government regulation of this profession is justified.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 31, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.