STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1521

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 223

       H.D. 1

       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 H.B. No. 223, H.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 within the two-year period preceding the license renewal date beginning July 1, 2022, of which two hours 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 finds that Hawaii residents should be assured that they are being treated by qualified professionals who have studied the most current trends and best practices in the industry and are qualified to respond in cases of emergency.  Your Committee notes that forty other states require continuing education for the renewal of massage therapy licenses, and this measure will elevate the massage therapy profession in Hawaii to the highest standards of quality and safety.

 

     Your Committee notes the concerns raised in testimony that the commencement date of July 1, 2022, may be too early and that more time is requested to provide ample notice to affected licensees and enable licensees to complete the continuing education requirements contemplated by this measure.  Accordingly, amendments to this measure are necessary to address this concern.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Clarifying that the continuing education requirements shall be applicable to the renewal for the licensing biennium commencing on July 1, 2024;

 

     (2)  Making it effective upon its approval; and

 

     (3)  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 H.B. No. 223, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 223, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair