Bill > SCR156

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, with help from the Board of Psychology, to create a special group called a task force. The main goal of this task force is to develop new laws that would allow qualified psychologists in Hawaii to prescribe medications. This is being considered because there's a shortage of mental health providers, especially in rural areas, and this lack of access has serious consequences, including a high suicide rate in Hawaii. The resolution highlights that clinical psychologists are highly trained professionals, and some other states already allow them to prescribe certain medications after specialized training. The task force will study laws in other states, figure out what extra training or conditions are needed for Hawaii, see if the University of Hawaii can provide this training, and then draft legislation. They are also asked to report their findings and any proposed laws to the Hawaii Legislature by early 2023.