STAND. COM. REP. NO. 620

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 599

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 599, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MASSAGE THERAPISTS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require massage therapy licensees to complete twelve hours of continuing education in the two years between their license renewals, beginning July 1, 2022; provided that two hours of the continuing education shall include first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency-related courses.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Massage Therapy, American Massage Therapy Association – Hawaii Chapter, and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that requiring continuing education for licensed massage therapists will elevate the massage therapy profession to the highest standards of quality and safety.  Your Committee further finds that twelve hours of continuing education hours in areas such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and other emergency training is a reasonable requirement for renewal and raises the level of professionalism for massage therapists.  Additionally, this measure ensures that state requirements are consistent with national trends and best practices, as continuing education is required in forty other states for massage therapist license renewals.

 

     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. 599, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair