STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1321

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 629

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 629, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

State Board of Nursing

G.M. No. 629

DENISE L. COHEN, for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the resume submitted by the nominee and finds Denise L. Cohen to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Nursing.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Denise L. Cohen from the Board of Nursing and Hawai‘i Association of Professional Nurses.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee has worked for almost thirty years as a licensed provider in the field of nursing in a variety of capacities and settings.  Your Committee notes that this nominee began her career as a licensed practical nurse and, through continuing pursuit of higher education and professional development, has advanced to achieve the highest professional certification and licensure available in that field.  Your Committee also finds that this nominee's broad range of experience in the roles of licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, and advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority in private practice and hospital settings as well as her academic experience teaching nursing theory and supervising clinical instruction of student nurses gives her a unique perspective and important insight into the entire practice of nursing.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee is a leader in her profession, having served as a member of the Executive Committee of Maui Community College, as Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Nurses Association, and as President of the Maui Nurses Association.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee's education, professional experience, and proven leadership will allow her to be an asset to the Board of Nursing.

     Your Committee finds that Denise L. Cohen has been nominated for appointment to the Board of Nursing based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

     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, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair