STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2771

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2541

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2541 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:

 

     (1)  Require massage therapy licensees to complete twelve hours of continuing education within the two-year period preceding the renewal date, two hours of which shall include first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency related courses, beginning with the renewal for the licensing biennium commencing July 1, 2022, and every biennial renewal thereafter; and

 

     (2)  Update advertising restrictions and penalties.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the American Massage Therapy Association.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and Board of Massage Therapy.

 

     Your Committee finds that the practice of massage in the State affects public health and safety.  Requiring massage therapists to complete continuing education alongside their licensing renewal requirements, including two hours of emergency related courses, will help elevate the massage therapy profession to the highest standards of qualifications and safety.  Further, Hawaii residents can be assured they are being treated by a professional who has studied the most current trends and best practices of the industry.  This measure will also modernize advertising restrictions and penalties, as existing state law was enacted when social media platforms did not exist.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by 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, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2541, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2541, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair