HI SCR87

Board of Psychology requested to establish a five-year pilot program allowing licensed clinical psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications to patients at federally qualified health centers.

Participating psychologists must meet licensure requirements, complete APA-approved psychopharmacological training, pass the Psychopharmacological Examination for Psychologists or equivalent exam, and be employed by a federally qualified health center.

First two years of pilot program limited to Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center with direct physician supervision; after year one, supervising physicians may recruit other physicians at other federally qualified health centers to train and supervise participating psychologists.

After completing two years of direct supervision, psychologists may continue prescribing with collaborative relationships with supervising physicians and medical doctors providing general care, limited to patients treated at participating federally qualified health centers.

Board must report to Legislature no later than twenty days before 2025 Regular Session with data on patient numbers, treatment outcomes, mental health care access improvements, and patient satisfaction.