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Committee advances SB 144 to allow student chiropractic clinical practice; recommendation passes unanimously with amendments
Summary
The Senate Committee voted to pass SB 144, expanding statutory provisions to permit chiropractic students to engage in clinical practice as part of training; the committee approved DCCA amendments and delayed implementation.
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services voted to recommend passage of SB 144, a bill to expand statutory provisions that would allow chiropractic students to engage in supervised clinical practice as part of their education.
Dean Shivers, president of the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association and owner of multiple clinics, told the committee the change would “help bring more chiropractors to the island” and ensure students gain hands‑on experience with real patients. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic stood on its written testimony and provided comments; the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association and dozens of individual supporters also testified in favor.
Committee action: The chair recommended passage with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ (DCCA) proposed amendments and a delayed implementation timeline. The committee recorded unanimous support in the recommendation vote: the chair, vice chair, Senator Hashimoto and Senator Keohokalole voted aye and the recommendation was adopted.
Why it matters: Supporters said allowing supervised student clinical practice would expand training opportunities and help address chiropractor shortages in the state; the committee instructed staff to incorporate DCCA’s amendments and to delay the bill’s effective date to allow administrative preparation.
Next steps: With the committee recommendation to pass with amendments adopted, SB 144 will move forward per usual legislative procedure with the adopted amendments reflected in the committee report.
