Governor Josh Green, MD is currently considering SB 847, a bill that would allow psychologists to prescribe and dispense psychotropic medications in Hawaii, including controlled substances. This expansion of prescribing authority puts patients at risk by bypassing the rigorous medical training required to safely prescribe and dispense medications.

SB 847 would establish a three-year pilot program in the County of Kauai and County of Hawaiʻi allowing psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications at federally qualified health centers with the intent of statewide expansion.

Most concerningly, SB 847 would authorize psychologists to not only prescribe controlled substances but also to dispense them directly to patients. To our knowledge, Hawaii would become the only state in the nation permitting psychologists to both prescribe and dispense controlled substances.

It is crucial that we protect both our profession and the well-being of our patients by opposing efforts to expand prescribing authority to providers without necessary medical training. 

ACTION REQUESTED: Your voice is crucial in this fight—please contact the Governor today and urge him to veto SB 847. A sample message has been provided for you that can be personalized.

Thank you!