HI HCR165

Requests the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to analyze the validity, effectiveness, and ethical standards of the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Directs the Dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine to convene a group to evaluate the psychopharmacology program and assess graduate knowledge, particularly given that prescriptive authority has not been granted to psychologists in Hawaii.

Expresses concerns that 47 states do not allow psychologists to prescribe medication, and that Hawaii Legislature has rejected prescriptive authority bills 11 times since 1996, citing insufficient medical training in psychologists compared to other prescribing professionals.

Notes that graduates from "free-standing professional schools" (characterized as "diploma mills") are eligible to enroll in the MSCP program despite varying educational quality.

Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents Chairperson, University of Hawaii President, University of Hawaii at Hilo Chancellor, and Acting Dean of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.