Bill Text: HI SR78 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Continuing education requirement for licensed social workers in Hawaii

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-06-22 - (S) Certified copies of resolutions sent, 06-19-12. [SR78 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2012-SR78-Amended.html

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3088

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.R. No. 78

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.R. No. 78 entitled:

 

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS, HAWAII CHAPTER, TO DEVELOP CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Chapter, to develop continuing education requirements for licensed social workers in Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii, Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work; National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Chapter; and eight individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii is one of only three states that do not require continuing education for licensed social workers.  Continuing education in any profession increases the knowledge base and competency levels of professionals.  Continuing education requirements ensure that licensed social workers have access to the best practices and innovations in the field of social work and can continue to provide quality services to an array of clients, and are necessary to increase and maintain professional competence.

 

     Your Committee further finds that this measure encourages the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Chapter, to develop continuing education requirements for licensed social workers.  Your Committee appreciates the work that has been done by these entities and encourages the parties to continue their collaborative efforts.

 

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 78 and recommends its adoption.

 

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

 

		____________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair