HI HR162

Urges the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Psychological Association to collaborate on developing draft legislation establishing continuing education requirements for all licensed psychologists in Hawaii.

Notes Hawaii is one of only six states without continuing education credit requirements for psychologist licensing.

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

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Psychological Association to submit a proposed draft bill to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 Regular Session.

Emphasizes continuing education opportunities should be available to both members and non-members of the Hawaii Psychological Association through various formats including in-person courses, webinars, and teleconferences.