Hawaii Senate Bill SCR34

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/15/24
• Report Pass: 4/19/24
• Refer: 4/15/24
• Passed: 4/22/24

Caption

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

The bill's passage could significantly impact how mental health assessments are conducted within the state. By ensuring that thyroid function is evaluated prior to the prescription of psychotropic medications, the resolution aims to prevent cases where individuals inadvertently receive inappropriate mental health treatment that could be harmful or ineffective. This change is particularly relevant given the rising concerns over the safe and correct use of psychotropic drugs and the potential for adverse effects when underlying thyroid issues are not addressed.

Summary

SCR34 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii aimed at enhancing protocols for mental health treatment. Specifically, the resolution requests the Hawaii Medical Association and the Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association to convene a roundtable. The purpose of this gathering is to establish standardized medical protocols that require thyroid function tests before prescribing psychotropic medications for mental health conditions. The move is based on growing recognition that thyroid conditions can mimic mental illness symptoms, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Contention

While the bill itself does not appear to be highly contentious, it reflects broader healthcare discussions about the importance of proper diagnosis in mental health treatment. Supporters may argue that this resolution promotes patient safety and stewardship of medical practices. Conversely, there may be some who express concerns about the burden of additional testing or potential delays in treatment for individuals who are in urgent need of mental health care. Advocates for patient safety will likely celebrate this proactive measure as an important step in mental health care reform.