STAND. COM. REP. NO.  254-12

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

RE:   H.B. No. 2062

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Culture & the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 2062 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MUSIC THERAPY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to foster the professional development of music therapists by establishing a Music Therapy Board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and requiring licensure to use the title of "music therapist" or practice music therapy in the State.

Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Inc. and numerous individuals testified in support of this measure.  One individual testified in opposition to this measure.  The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and numerous individuals provided comments.

     Your Committee notes the testimony of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that states that a sunrise analysis by the Auditor is needed on the proposed regulation of music therapists, pursuant to section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  However, it is not difficult to see that given the therapeutic relationship involved between a music therapist and a client, abuses may occur if therapy is administered by persons who do not have the appropriate credentials.  Regulation is reasonably necessary to ensure that the consumer and public health, welfare, and safety are protected.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2062 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & the Arts,

____________________________

JESSICA WOOLEY, Chair