HI HCR161

Request the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to convene a working group to propose regulations and licensing requirements for health educators in Hawaii.

Working group should include representatives from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Health, University of Hawaii System, Hawaii Pacific University, The Queen's Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, and other organizations deemed appropriate.

Establish minimum competency requirements for health educators similar to those for other health care and educational professionals, and enable public reporting of ethics violations to state regulatory agencies.

Working group must report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2014 Regular Session.

Address the expected 37 percent occupational growth in health educator jobs by 2020 to ensure quality standards and professional competency in the field.