STAND. COM. REP. NO. 698

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 53

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing, 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 measure is to ensure that hospital and medical insurance policies providing benefits for mental illness and alcohol and drug dependence include coverage for marriage and family therapy services.

     Written comments in support of this measure were submitted by the Hawai‘i Psychological Association.  Written comments on the measure were also submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

     Your Committee finds that individuals who suffer from mental illnesses or alcohol and drug dependence do not suffer alone.  Although they often receive support from their families, they and their families also must endure great pains and hardships as a result of the illnesses or addictions.  Marriage and family therapy can provide necessary assistance to affected individuals, including counseling on the impact on family members from assessment or diagnosis through intervention or treatment, as appropriate.  Currently, several states provide reimbursements for marriage and family therapy under their insurance laws.  Your Committee determines that the provision of marriage and family therapy services will ensure the provision of a necessary form of treatment that will positively impact individuals and families dealing with mental illnesses or drug and alcohol addictions.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing 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 pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair