STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1471

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   S.B. No. 53

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 53 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to expand health insurance services by including marriage and family therapy in the substance abuse and mental illness treatment benefits required to be provided under accident and health or sickness insurance policies and similar insurance coverage.

     Several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs submitted comments.

     Your Committee finds that this measure seeks to provide consumers more mental health options and services through mandated health insurance benefits.

     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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 53 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair