Bill > SB847

This bill allows qualified psychologists to obtain a limited prescription certificate to prescribe psychotropic medications (drugs that treat mental and emotional disorders) under specific, carefully regulated circumstances. To receive this certificate, psychologists must complete extensive specialized training, including a master's degree in psychopharmacology, at least two years of clinical experience treating a diverse patient population, pass a national examination, and work under the supervision of a medical physician. The prescriptive authority is initially granted as a conditional certificate and is specifically limited to patients at federally qualified health centers, with the goal of expanding mental health care access in medically underserved areas of Hawaii. Psychologists with this certification must maintain ongoing collaboration with physicians overseeing patients' general medical care, ensure appropriate medication selection, and comply with strict regulations, including annual continuing education requirements and prohibitions on prescribing narcotics or obtaining controlled substance samples. The bill aims to address Hawaii's mental health professional shortage by creating a carefully structured pathway for psychologists to provide more comprehensive mental health treatment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=847&year=2025