Requesting The Hawaii Medical Association And Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association To Convene A Roundtable To Establish Medical Protocols To Ensure That An Individual's Thyroid Function Is Tested Before Psychotropic Medications For Mental Illness Are Prescribed.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of mental health treatments by advocating for a simple blood test to assess thyroid levels prior to prescribing potentially powerful psychotropic drugs. This proposed change underscores a commitment to improving patient care and outcomes in Hawaii's healthcare system, especially in the management of mental health issues. Establishing clear testing protocols could also help healthcare professionals make more informed decisions regarding treatment options.
Summary
HCR144 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2024, which requests that the Hawaii Medical Association and the Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association convene a roundtable discussion to establish medical protocols. The focus of this resolution is to ensure that individuals' thyroid function is tested before they are prescribed psychotropic medications for mental illness. This initiative arises from concerns that certain thyroid conditions can mimic symptoms of mental illness, which could lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment for patients.
Contention
There may be concerns regarding the resolution's implementation, particularly among prescriptive authorities who may feel this adds an extra step to their prescribing process. Additionally, potential discussions could arise about the accessibility of thyroid testing, which might be perceived as a burden to some healthcare providers or patients. Nevertheless, the resolution aims to initiate important conversations regarding protocols that could prevent the risks associated with misdiagnosing thyroid conditions as mental illnesses.
Requesting The Hawaii Medical Association And Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association To Convene A Roundtable To Establish Medical Protocols To Ensure That An Individual's Thyroid Function Is Tested Before Psychotropic Medications For Mental Illness Are Prescribed.
Requesting The Hawaii Medical Association And Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association To Convene A Roundtable To Establish Medical Protocols To Ensure That An Individual's Thyroid Function Is Tested Before Psychotropic Medications For Mental Illness Are Prescribed.