STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1229

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 814

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 2

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 814, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, 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 renewal requirements for a license as a nurse aide by:

     (1)  Specifying the renewal period; and

     (2)  Specifying the number of continuing education hours required annually.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, the Filipino Nurses' Organization of Hawaii, the Adult Foster Home Association of the Big Island, Hawaii Coalition of CareGivers, United Group of Care Home Operators, and eighty-eight private citizens.  Testimony with comments was received from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that nurse aides are an important part of a health care team in both acute and long-term care settings.  Your Committee further finds that this measure will help to improve the quality of health care that is available in this State.  By requiring recertification and continuing education for nurse aides, this measure will encourage high standards and help assure effective patient care.  

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive changes for the purpose of clarity and accuracy.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 814, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 814, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair