STAND. COM. REP. NO. 512

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1481

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 1481 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTERVENTION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish a pilot program for screening, brief intervention, and referral to substance abuse treatment.

     The Lieutenant Governor, the Department of Health, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, and one individual submitted testimony in support of this measure.  The University of Hawai‘i System submitted testimony in support of the intent of this measure, provided that its passage does not replace or adversely impact priorities of the University as expressed in its Board of Regents-approved Executive Biennium Budget.

     Your Committee finds that medical personnel, particularly in emergency rooms and trauma centers, regularly encounter patients who have sustained injuries, loss, or trauma resulting from the use of alcohol or other drugs.  This initial point of contact in a medical setting is a recognized window of opportunity where patients are most vulnerable and open to intervention and dialogue that address their underlying alcohol or illegal drug issues.

     This measure will help capitalize on this "teachable moment" in medical settings by offering screening, brief intervention, education, and, if necessary, referrals to appropriate care or treatment for individuals at risk for, or diagnosed with, alcohol and other substance use disorders.

     It is your Committee's intent to establish a pilot program for screening, brief intervention, and referral to substance abuse treatment.  Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Appropriating an unspecified sum instead of $1,333,513; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive changes for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1481, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1481, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair