H.R. 160 Summary

• 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 without continuing education credit requirements for marriage and family therapists in its licensing law.

• Identifies key issues to address in the legislation including: avoiding undue burden on rural therapists, using established non-governmental entities to approve credits, and ensuring the program is cost-neutral to the State.

• Requests submission of a proposed draft bill to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the Regular Session of 2014 to establish, implement, and monitor continuing education requirements.

• Emphasizes that continuing education opportunities should be available to both members and non-members of the professional association through multiple formats including in-person courses, webinars, and teleconferences.