HI HR129

Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is requested to convene a working group to propose regulations and licensing requirements for health educators.

Working group should include representatives from 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.

Health educator credentialing is currently voluntary through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., allowing uncredentialed persons to practice without minimal competency requirements.

Regulation aims to ensure quality health education services, verify minimum competency standards similar to other health professionals, and establish disciplinary mechanisms for ethics violations.

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