Hawaii, Vermont expand prescribing authority

Hawaii and Vermont have enacted laws allowing psychologists with advanced training in psychopharmacology to prescribe certain medications for mental health conditions. The new legislation will help psychologists provide an integrated model of care for patients, according to a July 15 news release from the American Psychological Association. Hawaii's law, which took effect July 15, establishes a three‐year pilot program at federally qualified health centers on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai. Under the program, specially trained psychologists will be permitted to treat adults ages 18 to 65 under the supervision of a psychiatrist or physician. Following the pilot program, state officials will evaluate the program and recommend whether it should be expanded, made permanent statewide or discontinued. Hawaii is the ninth state to allow prescribing privileges for psychologists, along with Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, Utah and Vermont. Signed by Gov. Phil Scott on April 27, Vermont's law creates a pathway for licensed psychologists to prescribe certain mental health medications after completing advanced training, supervised clinical rotations and a national certifying examination. This development marks the first time two states have enacted psychologist prescribing legislation in the same year.