Bill > SR149

This Resolution requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, with the help of the Board of Psychology, to create a task force to develop legislation that would allow qualified psychologists in Hawaii to prescribe medications. This initiative is driven by a recognized shortage of prescribing mental health providers, particularly in rural areas, which has serious consequences for residents, including a high suicide rate. The resolution highlights that clinical psychologists are highly trained professionals, and while other states and federal facilities already permit prescribing psychologists with specialized training, Hawaii currently does not. The task force will examine laws from other states, consider necessary training and conditions for Hawaii, assess the University of Hawaii's capacity to provide such training, and draft legislation to grant this authority, aiming to improve access to mental health services for all residents.