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.C.R. No. 31, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Auditor to conduct a sunrise study of a proposed regulatory measure requiring professional licensure of genetic counselors.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Kaiser Permanente; Hawaii Community Genetics, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children; The Queen's Comprehensive Genetics Center; five genetics counselors; and one registered nurse. No testimony in opposition to this measure was received by your Committee.

Your Committee finds that the professional licensure of genetic counselors will protect the public by ensuring high standards for the education and skills of individuals providing genetic counseling services.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 31, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.