STAND. COM. REP. NO. 514-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2318

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, Human Services, & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 2318 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH LICENSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require psychologists licensed in the State to complete at least three hours of continuing education per licensing biennium on topics relating to cultural diversity, cultural competence, or health equity.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Psychological Association, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Board of Psychology.

Your Committee finds that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color experience disparities in mental health care. Your Committee further finds that an individual's culture can influence the symptomatic expression of mental illness, making cultural competence critical for accurate diagnosis and effective care. This measure ensures members of minority communities receive culturally appropriate mental health care by requiring psychologists licensed in the State to complete at least three hours of continuing education per licensing biennium on topics relating to cultural diversity, cultural competence, or health equity.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2060, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health, Human Services, & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2318, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2318, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health, Human Services, & Homelessness,

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair