HI SB384

Authorizes qualified clinical psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications for mental health treatment, beginning July 1, 2018, addressing shortages of prescribing mental health providers in rural and medically underserved areas of Hawaii.

Requires applicants for prescriptive authority to hold a current clinical psychology license, earn a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology from a regionally-accredited program, complete at least 400 hours of supervised clinical experience over 12-48 months, and pass the nationally recognized Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists.

Mandates prescribing psychologists to practice in consultation and collaboration with a patient's primary care provider through a written agreement, except for forensically encumbered patients or those with serious mental illness under Department of Health jurisdiction, who require coordination with treating psychiatrists.

Establishes an exclusionary formulary prohibiting prescribing psychologists from prescribing Schedule I, II, or III controlled substances, opiates, and narcotic drugs, except stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment.

Requires prescribing psychologists to complete 18 hours of continuing education biennially in psychopharmacology, obtain federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration, and maintain written collaborative agreements with primary care providers prior to issuing any prescriptions.