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Bill

SB 708

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY FOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella and 4 co-sponsors

SB 708 would allow Hawaii clinical psychologists to prescribe medications, expanding their scope of practice to address psychiatrist shortages while raising training and patient safety concerns.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 708

Legislative bill overview

SB 708 would grant clinical psychologists in Hawaii prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe certain medications to patients under specified conditions. The bill expands the scope of practice for licensed clinical psychologists beyond traditional talk therapy and psychological assessment into pharmaceutical treatment. This follows a model already adopted by several other states.

Why is this important

Prescriptive authority could increase medication access in underserved areas where psychiatrists are scarce, potentially reducing wait times for patients needing psychiatric medication. However, it represents a significant expansion of clinical psychologists' scope of practice and raises questions about adequate training, patient safety oversight, and professional boundary shifts in mental health care delivery.

Potential points of contention

  • Training and qualification standards: Debate over whether clinical psychology graduate programs provide sufficient pharmacology and medical training compared to psychiatrists' medical school requirements
  • Patient safety and liability: Concerns about medication management by non-physicians, including drug interactions, medical contraindications, and appropriate monitoring protocols
  • Professional turf concerns: Opposition likely from psychiatrists and medical organizations defending their prescriptive authority and medical expertise claims
  • Regulatory framework gaps: Unclear which specific medications would be permitted, what oversight mechanisms exist, and how collaboration with physicians would be mandated

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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