HI HCR199

Urges the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Hawaii Division to collaborate on developing draft legislation establishing continuing education requirements for all licensed marriage and family therapists in Hawaii.

Notes that Hawaii is one of only three states that do not currently require continuing education credits for marriage and family therapists as part of their licensing law.

Identifies key issues to address in the proposed legislation: ensuring requirements do not burden rural therapists, using established non-governmental entities to approve continuing education credits, and making the program cost-neutral to the State.

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Hawaii Division to submit a proposed draft bill to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 Regular Session.

Emphasizes that continuing education opportunities should be available to both members and non-members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy through multiple formats including in-person courses, webinars, and teleconferences.