This Fiscal Note is not an official copy and should not be quoted or cited.
Fiscal Note - SB 0913 - Allows Specified Licensed Psychologists to Prescribe Drugs
L.R. NO.  3432-01
BILL NO.  SB 913
SUBJECT:  Psychologist, Pharmacy
TYPE:     Original
DATE:     March 21, 1996



                              FISCAL SUMMARY

                    ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED               FY 1997         FY 1998         FY 1999

None

Total Estimated
Net Effect on All
State Funds                      $0              $0              $0


                   ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED               FY 1997         FY 1998         FY 1999

None

Total Estimated
Net Effect on All
Federal Funds                    $0              $0              $0


                    ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED               FY 1997         FY 1998         FY 1999

Local Government                 $0              $0              $0


                              FISCAL ANALYSIS

ASSUMPTION

Officials from the Office of State Courts Administrator, the State Public
Defender, the Office of Attorney General, the Office of Prosecution Services,
the Department of Social Services, the Department of Economic Development -
Division of Professional Registration, and the Department of Mental Health
assume this proposal would not fiscally impact their agencies.

Department of Health (DOH) officials state there are over 1600 psychologists
licensed to practice in the state of Missouri.  DOH contacted the State
Committee of Psychologists and determined that not all psychologists would
wish to become trained and licensed to prescribe.  DOH estimate that
one-third would wish to become trained as such and, therefore, be required to
register with the United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Narcotics
and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD).  DOH estimates this would involve approximately
530 psychologists.  The BNDD would inspect/investigate 13 psychologists each
year.  DOH states the costs associated with inspections/investigations
averages $75.00 each.  DOH estimates that of the 13
inspections/investigations, 1.7 disciplinary actions would be taken.  The
costs associated with disciplinary actions would average $500.00.  DOH
assumes that BNDD would expend $2,358 more per year if this  proposal would
pass.  DOH is not reflecting additional costs in this fiscal note, but if one
or more pieces of legislation passes in this area, funding will be requested
to cover the activities.


FISCAL IMPACT - State Government    FY 1997   FY 1998   FY 1999
                                   (10 Mo.)

                                         $0        $0        $0


FISCAL IMPACT  - Local Government   FY 1997   FY 1998   FY 1999
                                   (10 Mo.)

                                         $0        $0        $0

DESCRIPTION

This proposal would allow licensed psychologists approved by the State
Committee of Psychologists to be certified to prescribe drugs and other
medications necessary in the treatment of mental disorders.  When applying
for this certification a licensed psychologist must provide evidence of
completion of a pharmacology course, with at least 100 hours of approved
clinical training and at least 200 hours of independent course study in the
assessment of the need for and the prescription of drugs in the treatment of
persons with psychological problems and emotional and mental disorders and
illnesses.  The State Committee of Psychologists would be required to provide
to the State Board of Pharmacy a list of names of all those licensed
psychologists certified to prescribe medication.  The State Committee of
Psychologists, the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts and the
Board of Pharmacy would promulgate rules establishing a formulary of drugs
which may be prescribed by psychologists.

This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other
program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental
space.


SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Economic Development
   Division of Professional Registration
Office of Prosecution Services
Office of Attorney General
Office of State Courts Administrator
State Public Defender
Department of Health
Department of Mental Health
Department of Social Services