STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2829

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2790

       S.D. 2

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2790, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PERINATAL CARE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the perinatal clinic within the University of Hawaii Medical School, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health to help women with a history of substance abuse.

     The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies submitted testimony in support of this measure.  The University of Hawaii System submitted comments.

     The perinatal clinic provides substance abuse treatment, prenatal care, and follow‑up services in a supportive environment.  This approach recognizes the need to provide appropriate health care to substance using pregnant women rather than punitive repercussions.  One of the barriers to substance using pregnant women seeking perinatal care is fear of prosecution.  Your Committee finds that this measure will further healthy family relationships and help prevent low‑birth weight and premature births.

     Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this measure by replacing the amount of the appropriated sum with an unspecified amount.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2790, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2790, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair