The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), applauds Governor Linda Lingle for vetoing SB 1004, the bill that would have granted prescribing authority to psychologists in the state of Hawaii.For Immediate Release
Contact: Denise Espie, MBA, Communications Director
202.966.7300, Ext. 120
despie@aacap.org
Erin Baker, Communications Manager
202.966.7300, Ext. 119
ebaker@aacap.org
Washington, D.C., July 13, 2007 - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), applauds Governor Linda Lingle for vetoing SB 1004, the bill that would have granted prescribing authority to psychologists in the state of Hawaii.
"I thank Governor Lingle for placing the safety of the citizens of Hawaii, especially children and adolescents, above politics," said AACAP President Thomas F. Anders, M.D. "Psychologists are an important part of the treatment team, but do not have the years of training required to prescribe medication," said Alfred Arensdorf, M.D., delegate to the Hawaii Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Psychologists do not have medical training or exposure to a variety of medical conditions to prescribe psychotropic medications safely. Psychotropic medications used to treat mental illnesses are among the most powerful medications used today. Used properly, they can offer remarkable benefits to patients struggling with severe mental illness. For these reasons, AACAP believes that the prescribing of psychotropic medications should not be based on anything less than thorough medical education and training.
Proponents of psychologists prescribing argue that the shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists prevents consumers from accessing medications when they are needed. To address this, the AACAP is advocating for passage of the Child Healthcare Crisis Relief Act, to increase the number of well-trained mental health service professionals providing comprehensive clinical mental health care to children and adolescents.
The broad-based coalition that opposed SB 1004 includes the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Psychiatric Association, (APA) and five consumer mental health organizations. AACAP members wrote to Governor Lingle and called the Hawaii state legislature in an effort to educate about the risks associated with psychologists prescribing.
For more information on the psychologists prescribing bill or the Child Healthcare Crisis Relief Act and to schedule an interview with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, please contact Erin Baker at 202.966.7300 x 119, ebaker@aacap.org.
Representing over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
Our Facts for Families, available free of charge on the AACAP website, provide concise and up-to-date information on a wide array of issues relating to children’s mental health. Written in a simple, straightforward manner, these 88 one-page fact sheets are valuable to anyone raising or working with children. In addition, the AACAP routinely refers the media to expert spokespeople on child and adolescent issues, and sponsors The Campaign for America’s Kids – an initiative designed to fund an Advocacy Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with the goal of mental health for all children.
AACAP Mission: The Mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.
