Urgent Hawaii Legislative Alert
Dear Hawaii AACAP Members:
Earlier this week we sent out an alert regarding HB 1456 and SB 1004. Unfortunately, SB 1004 passed in the Senate yesterday. It is now essential that you call your Representatives TODAY and ask them to vote “NO” on HB 1456. This bill would grant psychologists prescriptive authority.
AACAP, HCCAP and our coalition partners are concerned that allowing psychologists to prescribe medications will expose children and adolescents to inadequate care. Medical training is necessary to prescribe appropriate medications at a safe dosage level and avoid potentially fatal drug interactions. This is especially true when prescribing for children and adolescents. We encouraged you to contact your state legislators to educate them on this issue.
If you do not know who your state legislator is please click the link below. The site will help you locate your legislator. http://www.capitol.hawai i.gov/site1/info/vstreet/voterinformation.asp? press1=info&press2=vstreet
Instructions
Ask for your legislator by name. Once you are connected, leave your name and address, along with our suggested message.
Suggested Message
“I am calling to ask Representative ______________ to vote “NO” on HB 1456.” Prescribing psychoactive medications for children and adolescents requires the judgment of a physician, with training and qualifications in the use of these medications psychologists do not have the medical and clinical training to prescribe these medications safely.
Defeat of these bills depends on you taking action today! Once you have made contact with your legislator please, info Ramon Gardenhire, AACAP Assistant Director, State Advocacy at 202/966.7300 Ext. 107 or by e-mail at rgardenhire@aacap.org
Thank you for your action!
Kristin K. Ptakowski, Director
Elizabeth Rorick, Assistant Director
Ramon Gardenhire, Assistant Director for State Advocacy
Abby Schopick, Legislative Assistant
