HI SR162

Urges the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health to convene a Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare Hawaii for FDA-approved breakthrough therapies including MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

Task Force membership would include representatives from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, mental health professionals, legal experts, Native Hawaiian health organizations, and individuals with lived experience such as veterans, first responders, and caregivers.

Task Force responsibilities include identifying opportunities for expanding clinical trials and research partnerships, developing workforce training and certification pathways, and creating a statewide implementation roadmap for integrating emerging therapies.

Reports with findings and legislative recommendations are requested to be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Sessions of 2027 and 2028.