Hawaii, Vermont: Scope of Practice
Official titleAPA applauds new state laws allowing psychologists with advanced training to prescribe certain medications in Hawaii and Vermont
Hawaii, Vermont · signed · Relevance score 92 of 100 (direct financial impact). high impact.
This summary is informational and is not legal advice. Read the source text before acting on it.
What this policy change does.
- Jurisdiction
- Hawaii, Vermont
- Stage
- signed
- Published
- July 15, 2026
- Impact score
- 92 of 100, from analysis of the full text: direct financial impact
- Primary source
- APA
Impact on your practice
While this directly benefits psychologists seeking prescriptive authority, it's highly relevant to therapists in these states as it reshapes the competitive landscape and collaborative care models. Therapists should understand how this affects referral patterns, co-treatment arrangements, and potential billing implications for collaborative care.
Key facts
- Hawaii and Vermont have passed laws allowing psychologists with advanced training to prescribe certain medications
- Addresses provider shortages and reduces treatment delays in underserved communities
- Represents scope-of-practice expansion that other states may follow
- Requires specialized training beyond standard doctoral degree
- Expands access to psychiatric medications without requiring MD/NP involvement
States and jurisdictions where it applies.
- Hawaii
- Vermont
Read the original policy source.
Primary source text, linked directly.
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2026/07/psychologists-medications-hawaii-vermont
- Analysis by
- Therapy Companion policy engine
- Confidence
- high
- Analyzed
- July 28, 2026
Related policy changes.
- Relevance score78 / 100
APA concerned about far-reaching consequences from Supreme Court decision regarding therapy as ‘free speech’
This Supreme Court decision poses a serious risk to the regulatory foundation of mental health licensing. If therapy is constitutionally protected speech, it could weaken licensing boards' enforcement power, create litigation exposure for disciplinary actions, and blur the line between protected speech and professional misconduct. Therapists should monitor ongoing litigation and regulatory responses.high impact - Relevance score78 / 100
C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act
Potential scope expansion or improved insurance recognition/reimbursement for mental health professionals, but bill title is abbreviated and full text is needed to assess true impact. Could address provider discrimination or network inclusion barriers.medium impact - Relevance score78 / 100
[PA] HB2653: Providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.
If passed, HB2653 could strengthen Pennsylvania therapists' ability to gain insurance network access and ensure payers honor provider selection. Penalty structure suggests meaningful enforcement mechanism. High-value item for solo practitioners and smaller agencies fighting network discrimination.high impact - Relevance score72 / 100
[MD] HB1118: Health, Health Insurance, and Health Occupations - Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions
Maryland therapists should expect new insurance coverage requirements for perinatal behavioral health services and potentially expanded scope of practice for treating postpartum depression, anxiety, and related conditions. New billing codes and payer contracting may be required.high impact
Track what affects your practice.
Therapy Companion tracks both: the policy shifts on this page and the denial patterns hitting your claims.