SB 204 - This act licenses certain psychologists to prescribe certain medications and test blood and urine to monitor treatment. Prescribing psychologists are not authorized to order electro-convulsive therapy. Before a psychologist is licensed as a prescribing psychologist they must:
-Complete 400 hours of didactic educational instruction or complete a postdoctoral masters degree in psychopharmacology.
-Complete a one year supervised fellowship with a full-time caseload of patients during which they provide medication management, psychological evaluations, and therapeutic services.
-Pass a national exam.
-Maintain medical liability insurance.
For the first year of licensure the prescribing psychologist shall have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. After the first year of licensure, the prescribing psychologist must maintain a referral agreement with a physician to provide for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
This act is similar to HB 536 (2009), SB 917 (2008), HB 350 (2007), and SB 701 (2007).
EMILY KALMER