STAND. COM. REP. NO. 966

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 814

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 814, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NURSE AIDES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to clarify the requirements for recertification of nurse aides by:

     (1)  Requiring recertification not less than every two years; and

     (2)  Limiting continuing education hours to twenty-four hours per year, except as specified by federal law.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii Coalition of Caregivers, The Primary Care Providers, Nursing Advocates and Mentors, Inc., United Filipino Council of Hawaii, Oahu Filipino Community Council, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, the Filipino Coalition for Solidarity, the Filipino American Citizens League, and one individual.

     Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that this measure will further support the integrity and quality of certified nurse aides programs in the State.  Specifying continuing education requirements will ensure that licensees are proficient and have the opportunity to improve and update their skills throughout their careers.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2009.

     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 H.B. No. 814, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 814, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair