STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2049

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2465

       S.D. 1

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2465 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require psychologists in the State to complete a minimum of eighteen credit hours of continuing education courses during each licensing renewal biennium, beginning July 1, 2016.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Psychology; National Association of Social Workers, Hawai‘i Chapter; Hawai‘i Psychological Association; Hawaii Medical Association; and five individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii is one of only six jurisdictions that do not currently require continuing education credits for psychologists.  Because psychology is a science, the field of psychology is constantly transforming and developing.  It is therefore essential that psychologists continue to stay current with emergent practices and knowledge in the psychology profession throughout their careers.

     Your Committee further finds that the continuing education requirements in this measure will ensure that licensed psychologists in Hawaii maintain their professional competency and keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of psychology.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     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 S.B. No. 2465, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2465, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair