STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3621

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 752

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 752, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board Of Psychology

G.M. No. 752

SHERRY SUTHERLAND-CHOY, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Sherry Sutherland-Choy to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Psychology.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sherry Sutherland-Choy from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Sutherland-Choy's background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Psychology as a psychologist member.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Sutherland-Choy is a licensed psychologist, holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and is also licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority.  Dr. Sutherland-Choy has spent the majority of her professional life working in a variety of clinical settings, including working in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health facilities, performing psychopharmacology research, and teaching doctoral students.  Dr. Sutherland-Choy has served a dual role as a family nurse practitioner and clinical psychologist for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center since 2013, where she has gained insight into the complex social issues that often impact mental health, and is also an adjunct instructor of psychopharmacology at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.  Your Committee further finds that Dr. Sutherland-Choy has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her clinical background and experience prescribing psychotropic medications will be a valuable asset to the Board of Psychology.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Sutherland-Choy be appointed to the Board of Psychology based on her background, knowledge, and commitment to serving the public.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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, Consumer Protection, and Health,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair