STAND. COM. REP. NO. 915-18

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2018

RE: H.B. No. 2271

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2271, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to improve access to services for individuals who would benefit from behavioral analysis services and interventions by:

(1) Exempting individuals working within the scope of practice or duties of another licensed profession that overlaps with the practice of behavior analysis and individuals working under the direct supervision of an appropriate licensed professional from licensure requirements;

(2) Clarifying that the exemption for direct support workers in school settings who directly implement a behavior analysis program under the supervision of a licensed professional does not require that services are provided pursuant to an individualized education plan; and

(3) Clarifying that direct support workers in school settings shall work under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst.

Hawai‘i Psychological Association and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this measure. Two concerned individuals testified in opposition to this measure. The Department of Education, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Regulated Industries Complaint Office, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawai‘i Association for Behavior Analysis, American Psychological Association Practice Organization, Aloha Behavioral Associates, and numerous concerned individuals provided comments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2271, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair