STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3546

                                   Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                     , 2000

                                   RE:  H.C.R. No. 44
                                        H.D. 1




Honorable Norman Mizuguchi
President of the Senate
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2000
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was
referred H.C.R. No. 44, H.D. 1, entitled: 

     "HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAII NURSES'
     ASSOCIATION AND THE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII TO
     BEGIN DISCUSSIONS TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS
     FOR ACUTE-CARE ISSUES RELATING TO PATIENT SAFETY, NURSING
     CARE, AND THE POTENTIAL NURSING SHORTAGE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to urge the Hawaii Nurses'
Association (HNA) and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH)
to begin discussions to identify and solve acute-care issues
relating to patient safety, nursing care, and the potential
nursing shortage.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure
from the HGEA-AFSCME, Hawaii Nurses' Association, and Healthcare
Association of Hawaii.

     This measure is intended to address many of the recent
issues relating to managed care and downsizing of hospital staff.
Your Committee's primary concern is for patient safety and
adequacy of care.  Your Committee prefers that patient care
procedures should be left to hospitals and professional staff;
however, legislation may be necessary if the discussions do not
yield results.  The HNA and HAH are requested to report to the
legislature before the 2001 Session on their discussions.


 
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                                   STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3546
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     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this
report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of
H.C.R. No. 44, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means.

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



                                   ______________________________
                                   SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair

 
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