STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1525-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   S.B. No. 1805

      S.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 1805, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GENETIC COUNSELORS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to ensure access to high quality genetic counseling services by establishing a licensure program for genetic counselors.

     The Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Down Syndrome Congress, and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Health opposed this measure.

     Genetic counselors assist patients and their physicians in determining genetic risks for disease and other medical conditions.  The licensing of genetic counselors will help ensure that genetic information used by patients in their medical decisions is received from providers with appropriate knowledge and training.

     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. 1805, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair