STAND. COM. REP. NO.  255

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 436

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Human Services & Housing and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 436 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to require medical assistance programs such as Medicaid and QUEST, to include chiropractic coverage.

     The Hawaii State Chiropractic Association and many concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Hawaii Medical Association opposed this measure.  The Department of Human Services (DHS) provided comments.

     Your Committees heard compelling testimony that chiropractic care can help to save insurance companies and the State money in the long-term by reducing the need for more extensive medical services.  Your Committees respectfully urge DHS to include chiropractic coverage under medical assistance programs as a base-budget item, and also request DHS to work with the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association to more accurately determine the number of people that may qualify for such services, and the appropriation required.  Testimony reflected inconsistencies with regard to the amount needed for this measure.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services & Housing and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 436 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services & Housing and Health,

____________________________ JOSHUA B. GREEN, M.D., Chair

____________________________ MAILE SHIMABUKURO, Chair