SB 677 Summary

• Authorizes qualified clinical psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications under limited circumstances, beginning July 1, 2025, to address mental health provider shortages in Hawaii.

• Requires applicants to hold a current psychology license, complete a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology, pass a national proficiency examination, and complete specified clinical training including 800 hours in a clinical prescribing practicum and 100 hours of community service with underserved populations.

• Restricts prescribing psychologists from prescribing Schedule I, II, or III controlled substances (except stimulants for ADHD treatment), opiates, and narcotic drugs; requires collaboration with a patient's primary care provider except for forensically encumbered patients or those with serious mental illness under Department of Health jurisdiction.

• Requires 18 hours of biennial continuing education in psychopharmacology for license renewal and mandates Drug Enforcement Administration registration before prescribing.

• Appropriates unspecified funds to the Board of Psychology for implementation and staffing; effective December 31, 2050.