HI HB1148

Appropriates funds to the Office of the Governor to establish one temporary full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) mental health technician certificate of competence program coordinator position.

Funds appropriated for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to support the mental health technician certificate of competence program developed by University of Hawaii Windward Community College in collaboration with Hawaii State Hospital.

Program aims to address the statewide shortage of mental health service providers by offering short-term certificate coursework available in-person and online across the University of Hawaii system.

Existing certificate program consists of three approved courses providing basic mental health knowledge foundation, with a new one-year certificate program under development to add clinical skills for advanced settings.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.